Twenty-three-year-old Sakshi Pradhan from Darjeeling has achieved a rare feat and made her community proud by becoming the first woman commercial pilot in the region.
Sakhi is a resident of DB Giri road and she is the only child of Rukesh Mani Pradhan and Bandana Mukhiya. She was selected for the Indigo Cadet Pilot Training Program in 2019. She successfully obtained her commercial pilot license through Skyborne Aviation Limited in New Delhi. Subsequently, she underwent further training in Arizona, USA, and Pantanagar in Uttarakhand, India, under the DGCAA of the Government of India.
After receiving her Indian commercial aircraft license, Sakshi underwent A-320 aircraft typing training at Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She is currently working as an A-320 Junior First Officer at Indigo Airlines. She was honored at a grand graduation ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Gurugram on March 15, 2023.
Sakshi completed her primary education at Bethany School in Darjeeling. Later, she studied science at Delhi Public School Siliguri. She passed her exams with flying colours. She had always cherished an ambition from her childhood to become a skilled pilot.
Sakshi’s unwavering determination, hard work and courage are the keys to her success. Her feat is an inspiration to the entire students and youth community in the region and the country.
“I am so happy to have fulfilled my ambition which I have always cherished from my childhood. I am currently based in Delhi and going through check sessions. I have completed nine check sessions so far. I will be flying as a junior first officer from Bengaluru base soon,” said Sakshi.