Nabeela Mohamed Naseem (Nabee) is the youngest of nine children. With a fascination for airplanes at an early age, Nabee completed her education and started her career in the aviation industry at Maldivian Air Taxi, now known as Trans Maldivian Airways. In an exclusive interview with Talent Magazine, Nabee shares a bit about her journey in the industry.
1. What got you interested in the aviation industry, and how did you know it was your calling?
As a child, my mother would often take me to Raalhugandu, where I would watch planes coming in to land. That is where my fascination with airplanes began. Visiting the airport was always a thrill—it felt like an amusement park to me, and I knew early on that I wanted to be part of that world. By the age of 13, I had already made up my mind that I wanted to become a pilot.
2. Tell us a bit about how you started your career.
I completed my education in Malé, and my first official job was with Maldivian Air Taxi, which later became Trans Maldivian Airways, where I currently work. Prior to pursuing my pilot training, I held two other positions, one of which was also related to aviation, which helped solidify my desire to become a pilot.
3. Can you give us an overview of the education and training process at aviation school?
Fortunately, I chose the science stream during my studies, which made it easier for me to grasp the foundational ground classes. Initially, we had to pass aptitude tests to gain admission to flight school. After that, we completed our first flight, followed by intensive ground classes before flying full-time. We then continued preparing for and taking the official exams necessary to obtain our pilot’s license.
4. Was there any moment during your training when you thought of quitting? If so, how did you overcome it?
There was never a moment where I considered quitting because becoming a pilot was a lifelong dream of mine. From a young age, I was determined to pursue this path, and my parents were incredibly supportive of that decision. Even when the journey was challenging, I always believed that nothing worthwhile comes easy. My love for flying and the drive to achieve my dreams kept me motivated. I have always been committed to fighting for what I am passionate about, and flying is something I truly love.
5. How did you feel on your first flight? Tell us a bit about how you prepared for it and how you felt after landing.
I can’t recall much about preparing for my first flight since it was more of an introductory experience, almost like a photo flight, with minimal preparation required. However, flying solo for the first time was an indescribable feeling. It was as if everything I had ever dreamed of was unfolding right before me at that moment.
6. What challenges have you had to overcome as a woman in an industry often labeled as male-dominated?
My colleagues have always been supportive and have taught me a great deal along the way. I am happy to say that I have never felt any discrimination in my flying career because of my gender. However, being a woman, I have always pushed myself to work even harder to ensure that no one can question my abilities. I strive to show that gender is never a limitation in this field.
7. What advice do you have for young girls with a passion for the aviation industry?
I would encourage them to pursue their passion wholeheartedly. While it can be challenging, I believe that the narrative of women not being capable pilots has significantly shifted. Today, we have many successful female pilots, and that representation matters. If it’s something they truly love, they should never let doubt hold them back.
8. If you weren’t a pilot, what other career path would you have chosen?
If I hadn’t become a pilot, I would have likely pursued a career focused on animals and nature. Growing up, I was captivated by National Geographic documentaries, which sparked a deep fascination with wildlife and conservation. As a second option, I could see myself working with an organization like NatGeo, exploring remote parts of the world and contributing to wildlife preservation. My passion for animals and the natural world has always been a significant part of who I am.
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