Durba Banerjee

Durba Banerjee
Born India
Spouse(s) Not Married

Durba Banerjee was the first pilot of Indian Airlines in 1956 and the first Indian woman commercial pilot.[1][2][3]

Early life

As a child while growing up Banerjee liked planes and flying, becoming a pilot was her passion. She was the first woman of her times to break stereotypes and venture into this field.[4]

Career

Banerjee started her aviation career flying a Dakota with Kalinga Airlines as an Air Survey pilot in 1959.[4][5]

She moved on to join Indian Air Lines at the Calcutta base in 1966 and later retired in November, 1988.[4] It is heard that when she first approached then Central Aviation Minister Mr.Humayun Kabir to apply as a commercial pilot he was reluctant and instead offered her the post of a flight attendant.[4]

She has to her credit the most flying hours with 185000 hrs.[4][6]

References

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