Shattering Glass Ceilings with Fly Blue Crane
Siza Mzimela, the founder and chief executive officer of Fly Blue Crane, has etched her name in history as the first black woman to found and own an airline.
Her start-up South African airline, based at the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, currently operates two 50-seat ERJ 145s, offering low-cost domestic flights within the region.
“Fly Blue Crane will aim to keep its current rates in order to make flying affordable for both business and leisure travel,” Mzimela stated, underscoring her commitment to accessibility.
A Trailblazer in the Aviation Industry
Mzimela’s journey as a trailblazer in the aviation industry predates her groundbreaking venture with Fly Blue Crane.
From 2010 to 2012, she served as the first female CEO of South African Airways, a role that saw her introduce direct flights to New York and Beijing, China – a first for the company. Under her leadership, the airline also expanded its regional network by adding eight additional routes in just one year.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
Mzimela’s accomplishments extend beyond the skies. She became the first woman appointed to the International Air Transport Association’s board of directors in its 67-year history.
Additionally, she serves as a board member of the South African Tourism Board and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, further solidifying her commitment to empowering women and driving positive change.
Overcoming Adversity and Paving the Way
Mzimela’s success is particularly remarkable given South Africa’s history of oppression and marginalization under the brutal apartheid regime.
Her achievements serve as a testament to the tremendous economic and social gains made by black South Africans since the end of apartheid, paving the way for future generations of women and people of color in the aviation industry and beyond.
Expanding Horizons and Fostering Accessibility
With Fly Blue Crane, Mzimela has her sights set on expanding the airline’s reach to destinations like Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Her vision for affordable air travel aligns with her commitment to making flying accessible to both business and leisure travelers, further cementing her legacy as a pioneer in the industry.
