From passion to purpose: My journey at the Pinnacle of Aviation

By: Sultana Yassin Abdi MSc Air Transport Management, Current Student

Born and raised in the vibrant landscape of the UAE, with roots stretching back to Somalia, my life has always been a blend of cultures and perspectives. But there is one universal language I’ve always spoken fluently: Aviation.

After completing my undergraduate degree in Aviation Management and jumpstarting my career in regulatory compliance, auditing, and cargo operations project management, I knew I wanted more. I wanted to go deeper. When I began looking for the pinnacle of aviation education, all paths led to one place: Cranfield University. The journey felt even more purposeful when I was awarded the Cranfield Abdinasir Abdirahman Aviation in Africa Scholarship to support my studies, connecting my heritage with my long-term aspiration to give back to the industry and help shape its future.

More than just a university: Where aviation takes flight

Why Cranfield? It’s simple. Where else in the world can you walk out of a lecture and see a plane taking off from the university’s fully operational airport? As an aviation enthusiast, plane spotting isn’t just a hobby here; it’s a part of the student experience here.

But the real magic happens inside the classrooms. Being a part of the MSc in Air Transport Management course has been a whirlwind of discovery, broadening my understanding of various facets within the industry. Visiting the Digital Air Traffic Control Tower and the Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) were also memorable experiences. However, the true highlights by far have been the people. Hearing from several key industry titans like Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal, who travelled all the way from Saudi Arabia to share his journey, provided a masterclass in leadership that no textbook could ever replicate.

A mindset shift: The Cranfield effect

Before coming to the UK, I had a very rigid post-grad career plan. Cranfield changed that.

By engaging with speakers from Oman, Italy, and the United States, I realised just how global and interconnected this industry is.

The course has taught me to:

• Think critically: There is rarely one right answer in aviation.
• Embrace complexity: Whether it’s international aviation law, air transport operations, or financial management, I’ve learned to view industry challenges through multiple lenses.
• Stay curious: I’ve moved away from my fixed plan and I’m now excited to embrace transferable skills in areas within the industry I hadn’t even previously considered.

Life on campus: Sunsets and study

What does a typical day look like? I would say It’s a perfect balance of professional rigor and peaceful reflection.

• Morning: Walking across the lush green fields to attend my lectures.
• Afternoon: Lunch with classmates where we discuss the future of the industry long after the professor has left the room.
• Evening: A leisurely walk across campus to watch the sky turn shades of orange and pink; a nostalgic reminder of the sunsets I grew up with back home!

Adjusting to the UK weather has certainly been a learning curve (let’s just say my wardrobe had to adapt quickly), but the diversity and warmth of the Cranfield community instantly made me feel at home.

Looking towards the horizon

After graduating in October 2026, I plan to return to the UAE to join a major airline, with the long-term goal of contributing to the UAE’s civil aviation regulatory landscape.

But my mission goes beyond the office. Outside of my professional roles, I am an emerging public speaker, with a passion for using my voice to empower women and young professionals within the industry.

It is important to show the next generation that you don’t have to become either a pilot or an engineer to enter aviation; rather, the industry offers space for all kinds of skills, talents and disciplines.

My advice to you

If you’re dreaming of a career in the skies, remember this: remain open-minded as your journey unfolds. The most exciting opportunities often land when you least expect them. Stay curious and informed about the latest aviation news and global challenges. Because where there is a challenge, there is often an opportunity, and understanding those challenges can help you identify where you can contribute to meaningful change within the industry.

Fun fact: I speak four languages (English, Arabic, Somali, and Turkish) and am currently learning my fifth one, Spanish. Language learning has always fascinated me, not only as a personal challenge, but also as a way to better understand different cultures and perspectives. In an industry as global as aviation, the ability to communicate across borders is a skill I deeply value.