How a Pilot Father 'Brainwashed' PassionAir's Ewurabena Ama Amoah into Aviation

A PassionAir pilot, Ewurabena Ama Amoah, recently shared her deeply personal and inspiring journey into commercial aviation. Speaking on “The Flight Deck” on JoyNews, Ms. Amoah detailed how her father, a seasoned airline captain, cultivated her lifelong passion for flying from a very young age. Her story highlights the critical impact of early exposure to flying and positive family role models in career development.

The Power of Early Exposure

Ms. Amoah explained that her path was largely set by her father. She noted having a "headstart" because her father was a long-serving captain. This familial connection provided unique access to the world of aviation.

• Her father frequently took her to the airport as a child.
• She watched aircraft take off and land, fostering an early fascination.

Growing up near an aircraft approach path also created cherished childhood memories. Her father would encourage the children to watch for his landing lights. He would later confirm he saw them by recalling details of their clothing. Ms. Amoah humorously stated that she was "brainwashed into becoming a pilot" by these formative experiences. Her father introduced her as a future pilot even before she could speak properly.

Context in Ghana Commercial Aviation

Ms. Amoah’s journey serves as a powerful inspiration for young women. It addresses the need for greater diversity in the global aviation sector. The Ghana commercial aviation market is a growing and dynamic space in West Africa. PassionAir, based at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, is a key domestic operator. The airline held a 51% share of the domestic market in 2023.

PassionAir has previously demonstrated a commitment to promoting female pilots in Ghana. The airline notably operated an all-female crew flight in 2021. They also hired Audrey Esi Swatson, who was Ghana's youngest female commercial pilot at the time.

Global and Industry Impact

Ms. Amoah's story underscores the opportunity for airlines to foster talent internally. Encouraging aviation career aspirations from an early age is vital for the industry's future. Globally, aviation remains a male-dominated field. According to the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, only about 5.8% of commercial pilots were women in 2021.

Stories like this one from the PassionAir pilot Ewurabena Ama Amoah are crucial for shifting perceptions. They provide visible role models in aviation for the next generation. The industry needs to actively support programs that offer early exposure and mentorship. This is especially true for young women pursuing technical roles in the West African aviation industry.

For more on industry developments and airline operations, visit our commercial aviation news section. The focus on mentorship and early encouragement is key to closing the gender gap. This effort will ensure a more diverse and robust talent pipeline for airlines like PassionAir and global manufacturers such as Airbus. The future of the flight deck depends on inspiring today's youth, a message clearly delivered by Ms. Amoah on JoyNews. You can find more aviation news at [flying.flights].