Turkiye’s first female captain to fly the world’s largest passenger aircraft

From first officer to captain, Kubra Yildirim is the first Turkish woman to command an A380.

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Kubra Yildirim has made history by becoming the first female captain of the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380.

A veteran pilot with Turkish Airlines, Yildirim’s journey in aviation began over a decade ago and has now reached new heights with this historic achievement.

Yildirim, who previously served as a first officer on the Airbus A380, now occupies the captain's seat, marking a significant milestone in her career.

She started her aviation journey with an internship at Turkish Airlines' maintenance division, THY Technik, before moving on to train and work as a first officer on the airline’s Airbus fleet.

Her career took a significant turn when she continued her work with an airline in Dubai, where she flew the A380 for several years before officially being promoted to captain.

Announcing the news on her social media accounts, Yildirim expressed her pride and gratitude, reflecting on the journey that began nearly 12 years ago. "Every step, every challenge, and every success has reshaped me," she wrote. "This profession is not just a job but a part of my life. I am deeply thankful to everyone who has supported me along the way."

Kubra Yildirim’s achievement highlights the growing presence of women in aviation, with her becoming a role model for aspiring pilots worldwide. She now officially commands the Airbus A380, a testament to her dedication and hard work in a traditionally male-dominated field.