Born on July 28, 1996, Ouloassia Jennifer Yhaye, is the youngest woman in Africa to earn her wings as an airline pilot. This remarkable Ivorian aviator, at just 23 years old, soared to new heights, demonstrating that age is no problem at all when it comes to achieving one’s dreams.
After graduating from Morning Glory International School (MGIS) in Abidjan in 2012, Jennifer Yhaye did not stop there. By 2014, she had earned a baccalaureate in pure mathematics, physics, and instrumentation and control, showcasing her academic prowess. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, she was well-equipped to take on the world.
In 2014, Jennifer moved to South Africa to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. She enrolled in the prestigious 43 Air School (PTY) Ltd., an institution known for producing top-notch aviators. After two years of rigorous training, she earned her commercial pilot diploma on November 11, 2016. Her journey was far from over; it was just beginning.
At the age of 20, Jennifer returned to Ivory Coast and was hired by Air Côte d’Ivoire. Her skills and dedication quickly earned her a position at Asky, where she worked as a first officer on the DASH 8-Q400 aircraft. Jennifer’s expertise expanded to include piloting the B 737 800 and ATR 42/72, further solidifying her status in the aviation industry. By July 2019, she had accumulated over 800 flight hours, a significant milestone for any pilot.
Jennifer Yhaye’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, the Ivorian State honored her with the Excellence Prize for the best contribution to the air transport sector, recognizing her outstanding achievements and dedication to her field.
