Air India women pilots to create history by covering distance of 16,000 kms over North Pole

New Delhi : An all-women pilot team of Air India will fly over the North Pole on the world’s longest air route and the flight from San Francisco (SFO) will reach Bengaluru on January 9 covering a distance of about 16,000 kilometres.

“Flying through the North Pole is very challenging and airline companies send their best and experienced pilots on this route. This time Air India has given responsibilities to a woman captain for the journey from San Francisco to Bengaluru via polar route,” an Air India official said.

This is the first flight of Boeing’s new aircraft to join Air India’s fleet. Importantly, the pilot will also include Mumbaikar Akanksha Sonawane.

Prabha Sonawane, mother of Akanksha, said that Akanksha has been in this field since 2004. She started her career as a cabin crew and is now a co-pilot on the Akanksha Boeing 777. For the first time, a mission to cross the North Pole by air, led by all women pilots, will cover 16,000 km in a single phase. The flight will be led by Air India pilot Cap. Zoya Agarwal. The team also includes Cap. Akanksha Sonawane, Cap. Kathnamai Papagari, Cap. Shivani Manhas.