The third meeting of ISG International Airport’s “In the Footsteps of Sabiha Gökçen” series was held with the participation of Hürriyet Munanoğlu, Türkiye’s first female pilot to perform supersonic flight.
The third meeting of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (ISG) International Airport’s traditional “In the Footsteps of Sabiha Gökçen” motivation series was held with the participation of Hürriyet Munanoğlu, Türkiye’s first female pilot to perform supersonic flight.
At the event, where female leaders in the sector came together, the transformative power of solidarity and courage in aviation was emphasised.
At the third meeting of the talk series organised under the motto “In the Footsteps of Sabiha Gökçen,” legendary pilot Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hürriyet Munanoğlu shared her career journey in a sincere manner and drew attention to the critical importance of women’s solidarity in aviation.
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (ISG) International Airport continues to keep alive the vision of Sabiha Gökçen, the symbolic figure of the Republic after whom the airport is named. The latest guest of the “In the Footsteps of Sabiha Gökçen” series, organised at the terminal building and bringing together female executives from public institutions, business partners and stakeholder organisations within the airport ecosystem, was legendary pilot Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hürriyet Munanoğlu.
ISG demonstrates a stance far above global averages with a 50% female leadership ratio
Delivering the opening speech of the event, ISG Marketing and Corporate Communications Director Dr Aslıhan Güven shared current global data on female representation in aviation and emphasised ISG’s pioneering role in this field.
“Although female representation across the aviation sector generally ranges between 26–30 percent, we still observe that the concentration is mainly in ground services and cabin crew roles. Globally, only 6 percent of commercial pilots are women, while this figure unfortunately drops to around 3–4 percent in technical and maintenance fields. The ‘glass ceiling’ resistance in aviation leadership continues, yet we are also observing movements of change. Women hold 10 percent of CEO positions and approximately 18 percent of senior executive roles. Within such a picture, Sabiha Gökçen Airport, in a manner befitting its name, demonstrates a stance well above global standards with 50 percent female representation in its top management. The sphere of influence of women in aviation goes far beyond their numbers. Our duty is to make this unique vision visible and guide new generations. We will continue to sustain the vision inherited from Sabiha Gökçen, carry the inspiring stories of women striving for success in aviation into the future, and strengthen this platform for women’s solidarity in the sector,” she said.
Güven emphasised that the “In the Footsteps of Sabiha Gökçen” meetings create strategic awareness in strengthening the presence of women in the sector and expressed their satisfaction at seeing the initiative’s concrete and positive reflections. She added:
“With the experience-sharing of the successful figures of our sector, we will continue to grow this synergy day by day. Today we closely witnessed the unwavering stance behind Hürriyet Munanoğlu’s achievements as both a soldier and a pilot in what appears to be a male-dominated sector. I find it extremely valuable that, as an educator, she transforms these experiences from mere memories into sources of motivation and knowledge for younger generations. Ms Munanoğlu embodies the approach we aim to convey through the ‘In the Footsteps of Sabiha Gökçen’ meetings; we are grateful for her contributions to our country and her guidance.”
Aslıhan Güven also underlined their determination to continue this inspiring series with female role models shaping the aviation world.
“Even the smallest step is courage”
Guest of the discussion session, Türkiye’s first female pilot to perform supersonic flight, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hürriyet Munanoğlu, emphasised that she now provides coaching and mentoring with the experience she has gained, striving to serve humanity after serving her country.
Recalling that female students were not admitted to military academies between 1960 and 1992, Munanoğlu said:
“When we first entered the Air Force Academy in 1992 as 13 female students following the new decision, there were many who discouraged us as well as those who believed in us. We are flag bearers. As the third generation, we carried the flag we inherited from Sabiha Gökçen. We worked with the belief that we must succeed so that continuity can be ensured. While men worked one unit, we had to exert five to ten times more effort in this field. We felt the great responsibility of being the first.”
“Breaking the sound barrier is a metaphor; the real issue is surpassing limits”
Munanoğlu noted that breaking the glass ceilings perceived as barriers for women has become much easier today compared with the challenges faced during their education and service periods:
“As Türkiye’s first female pilot to perform supersonic flight, I can say this: breaking the sound barrier is a metaphor. There is nothing physically felt there; we only have instrument indications proving we exceeded the speed of sound. What this reflects in our lives is surpassing limits. Sometimes life requires moving forward by ignoring the existence of a glass ceiling rather than dwelling on it. When I first flew at 17, before entering the military academy, I wanted to be in the sky. After graduation, I wanted to become a pilot — and to be the best at what I did. Therefore, I served in the Air Force for many years as a jet pilot.”
Emphasising that it is unrealistic to expect everyone’s support on the path to success, Munanoğlu stated that the resistance she faced created a form of “reverse psychology” that increased her motivation:
“If we had been crushed under the pressure of those who said ‘What are you doing here?’, we would not be where we are today. Such remarks will appear at every stage of life; what matters is continuing the journey with determination despite them.”
Highlighting that women can achieve more equal representation at all levels of the sector by supporting each other, Munanoğlu redefined the concept of courage:
“Courage is the ability to take a step despite uncertainty and unease. Do not wait for a grand heroic moment; even the smallest step taken to move forward is the greatest courage.”
The first meeting was held in the 100th anniversary of the Republic
The first event of the “In the Footsteps of Sabiha Gökçen” series launched by ISG was held during the 100th anniversary of the Republic with the participation of Elif Güveyler, one of Türkiye’s successful captain pilots and the first female captain pilot of Kuwait. The second meeting, organised last year within the scope of 8 March International Women’s Day and World Women of Aviation Week, featured Hatice Nur Gündoğdu, Türkiye’s and Europe’s first and only female Gyrocopter pilot, as the speaker.
