Female Pilots Make History by Flying Indonesia's Presidential Aircraft

Indonesia’s aviation industry has once again made history as female pilots are now entrusted with flying the Republic of Indonesia’s presidential aircraft, supporting both domestic missions and international state visits. Captain Tania Citra, a Garuda Indonesia pilot, has become the airline’s first female captain to fly the sitting president in a Boeing 777. The news gained public attention after aviation analyst Dirga Yuza Setiawan shared it on social media and digital platforms on 26 May 2026. Captain Tania is recognised as the world’s youngest female Boeing 777 pilot at age 29. Now aged 31, she also holds the title of the youngest female Boeing 777 instructor globally. In addition to commercial flights, she oversees the president’s long-haul international state missions. Beyond Tania, other female pilots hold strategic roles in Indonesia’s presidential fleet. Captain Ajeng Mahessa of the Indonesian Air Force’s 17th Air Squadron flies the presidential Boeing 737 for domestic and regional trips, and is noted as the world’s youngest female Boeing 737 presidential pilot at 30. Meanwhile, Captain Yustikasari Diana Putri of the 2nd Air Squadron is entrusted with flying the CN-235 aircraft for presidential missions to remote areas and small islands, and participates in humanitarian operations on runways with limited infrastructure. On the other hand, Captain Gini Setya Rahayu of the 31st Air Squadron operates the C-130 Hercules to support presidential logistics and equipment distribution. At 24, she is one of the youngest female pilots playing a crucial role in national operations. The trust placed in female pilots for VVIP flights is seen as a symbol of gender equality progress in Indonesia’s aviation sector. Previously, the national aviation industry made history when First Lieutenant Ajeng Tresna Dwi Wijayanti became the first female pilot of the Republic of Indonesia’s Boeing VIP presidential aircraft. Indonesia’s presidential aircraft are operated by the Indonesian Air Force’s 17th Air Squadron, supported by Boeing 737 and 777 fleets for both domestic and international flights. These female pilots’ achievements are not only a source of pride for the national aviation sector but also highlight the growing role of Indonesian women in strategic sectors traditionally dominated by men. Behind every successful state mission lies the vital role of pilots safeguarding the nation’s safety and dignity in the skies. During President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to France on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, Captain Tania Citra served as the commander pilot of the presidential aircraft.