Zambian becomes first-ever African to receive airworthiness award
Zambia has made history as the first African country whose national has received an award for advancing the safety of aircraft.
Female aircraft engineer Lilian Lungu is the first on the continent to receive the Whitte Safety Award which is granted by the International Federation of Airworthiness (IFA) to individuals with outstanding contributions and achievements toward advancing the safety of aircraft.
The award was presented during the African Aviation Training Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to acknowledge Lungu’s thirty years in aviation and her role as one of the first female Aircraft engineers in Africa.
Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics, Dr. Alemu Feyisa who presented the award to Lungu said,
“Prioritising safety in aviation not only protects lives and assets but builds confidence for airlines”.
Lungu said the laurel will inspire other females to pursue jobs in the field.
“I am gratified that despite aviation being dominated by males, more females are now aspiring to take up positions in aviation. I also urge women to ensure that they follow their dreams,” she was quoted by Mwebantu.
Lungu manages quality safety at the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority and is also a lawyer.
