Born in Muscat, Oman, Maha Al Balushi comes from a big family, with a total of eight brothers and sisters. She graduated from school in 2005 and then graduated from Sultan Qaboos University in 2009 with a specialisation in Business Marketing. Somewhere, deep down, Maha always knew she was meant to be a pilot. But how did she manage to make it happen, despite the many challenges, misconceptions and hurdles that faced her on the way? Let’s find out…
What inspired you to be a pilot? How did the dream come to be?
When I was a child, around 4 or 5 years old, I remember being asked in kindergarten about my dream job and I always said ‘a pilot’. Like other kids, I was very curious about many things, among which were animals, art, baking, and many more. But my school books always had my most attention and curiosity. I can say I grew up a nerd and I loved it.
During my primary and middle school, sometimes I also wanted to be a doctor, a vet, a chemist, and many other professions as I was still discovering new horizons through my studies. I remember many discussions between me and others in my family or my teachers about their opinion about my dream to be a pilot, and everyone seemed to comment the same thing – it’s impossible!
By the time I was in high school I had already figured out that being a pilot is the only thing I truly wanted to be and no other job would give me the same sense of accomplishment. Most importantly I believed I could. And I believed this is a challenge and I won’t ever be happy until I see myself doing it.
I tried to contact many sources for further information regarding the possibility of becoming a pilot in the military. But I was informed that this wasn’t an option for women back then.
After school graduation, I joined SQU since my family didn’t want me to be further than just 5 minutes drive from our house. I still remember the surprise and sometimes silence from my college friends every time I told them I still want to be a pilot.
I was asked in one of my university projects to write an essay about my life plan. I summed up my dream of becoming a pilot in there and gave it to the instructor. She read it aloud in the class and then asked, ‘What are you doing here?’
Before my graduation ceremony from SQU, I applied for a cadet program and then my pilot career started. This was in 2010.
What challenges did Maha Al Balushi face once you began training to be a pilot?
When I first started studying aviation there were a lot of people around me who were against it. Some in the family and some outside of the family. I remember some people saying, ‘She will not continue, because it’s not a job for women’. However, my parents were there for me during all my studies. And that was the biggest support for me and it is what kept me going.
Do you feel your accomplishment has managed to change people’s perceptions?
When I officially became an airline pilot, I could see that people’s perspectives had changed a lot. And they were really proud of the fact that a local girl could become an achiever in the aviation field.
You’re the first Omani Woman First Officer. How has the experience changed you?
My career has changed me a lot and has made me a better person. I started young, very keen, enthusiastic, and ready to handle the consequences of my decisions in this career. With time I learned to believe in myself, listen to myself, talk for myself, stand up for myself and most importantly keep expanding my horizons and knowledge.
What advice does Maha Al Balushi have for women and the younger generation out there?
My words to the younger generation is that if you want to accomplish something, believe in yourself. Dare to make decisions and fight for your cause. Be the hero in your life, and inspire others.