INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: MEET KUDIRAT ASHIFAT BELLO OF AERO CONTRACTORS

Today is the international women’s day.

The International Women’s Day, March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2022, is: #BreakTheBias

In line with the international women’s day, Mamaj Aviation blog is celebrating some leading women holding their own in the Aviation, travel and tourism industry in Nigeria. These are women working assiduously behind the scenes, pushing boundaries and leaving a mark!  Women, whose stories will inspire you…

Please introduce yourself, your name, where are you from and age?

My name is Kudirat Ashifat Bello, 1 am Yoruba by tribe and was born on the 25th December,1969 in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Give us a brief career history. What schools did you attend?

 I attended St. Michael primary School, Ilorin. Malate Secondary School in Kwara State and Kwara State polytechnic where I obtained my OND in Business Administration and later attended Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Akwa Ibom State, where I got my HND also in Business administration.

The Cabin Crew profession no doubt is an interesting one. What inspired you?

The Cabin Crew Profession has always been my dream since I finished from School, however, being a professional job, I knew I had to undergo some special training to groom myself for the job, hence, I went through series of Cabin Crew initial training, starting with Centre for Aviation and Management Studies, Lagos in 1992, Gas Airline in 1993, Fashon Airline in 1994 and Kabo Air Ground Training School in 1995.

I started my flying career with Kabo Airline in February 1995, where I worked with many interesting characters, I made lifelong friends, learnt a lot about my chosen profession, meet a lot of notable people and visited places I never could’ve had the opportunity to visit. I worked with Kabo Airline till year 2000. I left for Albarka Airline owned By His Excellency, Dr. Buba Marwa same year, 2000.

My 6 years in Albarka Airline was quite adventurous. Interestingly, I was one of the pioneers in Albarka Airline, hence I was given the position of Deputy Cabin Services Manager (Merited). I was privileged to be part of the team that went to MALTA “A beautiful island in the United Kingdom” to inspect the first Aircraft acquired by Albarka Airline

( BAC1-11 Executive Aircraft). The trip also gave me the opportunity to visit the Film Village where movies like Popeye, Gladiator, Game of Thrones etc. were shot in Malta.

For the first time in my flying career, I was privileged to fly and manage executive flights, which further boosted and added to my existing knowledge on my chosen profession. Truly speaking, working on an executive Aircraft/ flights introduces you to new skills on in-flight services and elevates your professional standard and approach to Cabin Crew Duties and responsibilities on board.

In 2002 & 2004, I was sent for Cabin Crew Core Instructor Skills Course at Emirates Aviation College, Dubai, UAE, with this training, I was able to pass knowledge to other Crew members and still fly as a Senior Crew Member until I exited the Airline in 2006.

My next stop and current employer is Aero Contractors Airline of Nigeria Limited. Starting from 2006 till date. In Aero Contractors, I have come through the ranks from Cabin Crew Member – Senior Cabin Crew Member-Cabin Instructors-Cabin Supervisor – Cabin Services Manager, accompanied with series of trainings in Instructing and other management courses to assist me in executing my duties in the areas of my jurisdiction. Working as flight attendant enables you enjoy some privileges such as traveling with so many Airlines of your choice including free or reduced tickets for immediate family members, allows you and a spouse or children to fly free or inexpensively for a vacation.

How many years have you spent in the industry?

27 flying Years so far..

What is your lowest moment in your Career history?

My lowest and unforgettable moment of my flying career is when the Executive Aircraft of Albarka Airline got damaged by thunder storm. Being my baby Aircraft; it took me a long time to get over it.

What is your most memorable moment?

 I have so many memorable moments but the my topmost moment was the unveiling of the New Face of Aero contractors in March, 2019, which was a branding initiative from the Cabin service unit under my leadership, with the aim of boosting the business model of aero contractors to the travelling public.

Coming through the ranks to get here is obviously not a walk in the park. What challenges have you encountered on the job and on your journey to the top, especially as a female?

 It’s not been a bed of roses, my 27 years in the Aviation industry has been quiet eventful, garnished with challenges here and there, ranging from missing important events, missing your friends company, getting into bad eating habit, having late night sleep and early rise, the most difficult one is managing human being, this requires a lot of wisdom and integrity. The Stress and Fatigue experienced from the job which may be a key drawback cannot be pushed aside: staying overnight on trips, which may occur two to three nights per week depending on your schedule. During flights, you spend a significant portion of your time on your feet; this requires a lot of stamina.  Turbulence can also cause a lot of jostling and discomfort. Dealing with cramped spaces, being in close quarters with sick passengers, moving heavy bags, handling emergencies and moving supplies are additional demands. Also as a lady, you will face the challenges of men making passes at you and suffer envy from your female passengers on board. Jet lag can be a real problem when you work as a flight attendant if you are traveling over multiple time zones. With time, you will get use to all these challenges and have fun provided you can instill some self-discipline in yourself as an individual.

 What is the most interesting part of your job?

 The most interesting and fulfilling part of flight attendant profession is experience when passengers are disembarking after a successful flight and your Passengers tell you “THANKS FOR THE NICE FLIGHT” at this point, you’re reassured that you have accomplished something, (Passengers’ satisfaction) for that particular day.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

 In the next 5 years, I pray to be self-employed, may not necessarily be in the aviation industry but if I am destined to remain in the industry, I still want to be self-employed.

What advice do you have for the aspiring young women out there who may want to tow your line of profession?

 If you are thinking of becoming a flight attendant, I will advise you to venture into this great profession with a lot of passion. Flight attendant job is seen as the world’s best job ever especially if you enjoy meeting people and traveling, then, go for it; even if it’s just for a short period of your life, give it a try, with determination, dedication and perseverance, the sky will be your starting point!

I wish you all the best.

Bon voyage!