First woman pilot from Telangana set to become captain

Adilabad: Unlike many others of her age, Ganta Swathi dreamt of making a mark in the skies and it’s become a reality when she became the first woman pilot from the backward Adilabad district. Now, she is poised to become captain of the crew in about six months and has emerged as a role model for girls in the region.

The 32-year-old joined Spicejet, a private air carrier, as a pilot after completing her training with the help of the Rs 25 lakh aid extended by the TRS government. “I will never forget the moment when I met Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao three years ago for seeking financial aid, which he readily agreed to do so,” she recalled.
The daughter of retired Assistant Sub Inspector from Kailasnagar in the town, Swathi did her schooling and higher education at a private institution in the town. While many of her classmates settled in conventional professions, she dreamt of ruling the sky and ventured into the aviation field. And she could deliver through sheer dedication and passion.
“I always wanted to be unique. Fortunately, my parents supported me when I shared my dream of becoming a pilot. They did not hesitate even for a moment over the financial implications. They backed me throughout my life. However, the TRS government’s monetary help played a vital role in realising my dream,” Swati said.
She initially joined Andhra Pradesh Aviation Academy for a period of eight months. She then underwent pilot training in the Philippines for 10 months and worked as a pilot in the US for some time. “It was because of the financial aid by the government that I could undergo Airbus-320 training in Ethiopia,” she remarked.

Incidentally, Swathi, whose husband is a doctor, is the first woman pilot from Telangana and Adilabad district.
07/08/19 Padala Santosh/Telangana Today