Draft:Suleiman Dida
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Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. 78.147.192.112 (talk) 15:55, 26 June 2025 (UTC)
Suleiman Dida | |
|---|---|
 Suleiman Dida in pilot uniform (2024) | |
| Born | December 2, 2007 Stonebridge, London, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Aviator |
Suleiman Dida (born 2 December 2007) is a British-Somali pilot, recognised for becoming the UK's youngest Somali to fly an aircraft solo. At the age of 16, Dida completed his first solo flight, making him the first known Somali pilot in the UK, and gaining attention across both media and the wider aviation industry.Before even turning 18 Suleiman Dida has flown an aircraft all by himself and making a headline to his country Somalia.
Early life and education
[edit]Dida was born in Stonebridge, London, on 2 December 2007 to Omar Dida and Ardo. He developed an early passion for aviation and achieved his first milestone at 16 years old. His solo flight at 16 marked a significant personal and cultural milestone, particularly within the Somali-British community.[1] .He is the nephew of Mohammed Abduba Dida.
Aviation career
[edit]Suleiman Dida has stated that he was motivated to pursue aviation from a young age due to the lack of Somali pilots represented in the industry. His goal has been to become a symbol of progress and visibility for Somalia in the global aviation space. Despite the financial challenges of flight training—one of the key barriers that contributes to a global pilot shortage—Suleiman Dida has continued to invest in his dream and development, aiming to inspire others from underrepresented communities to enter the field.
Recognition
[edit]Dida’s story has been cited as inspirational. Archived Somali diaspora publications have also profiled his rising presence in the aviation sector.[2]
He was also featured on one of the biggest aviation magazines on LinkedIn,[3] Instagram[4] and Twitter (now X),[5], where he was celebrated as the UK's youngest Somali pilot.
Dida's pioneering role in aviation has placed him in the broader conversation around Somali excellence globally, as reflected in major outlets like the BBC Somali service which highlights the achievements of Somalis worldwide.[6]
Gallery
[edit]-
In uniform (2024) -
Casual portrait -
In cockpit giving thumbs up -
Flying solo during training
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "What it's like to be the UK's youngest Somali pilot". Aviation Job Search. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "Somavires Archive". Somavires (Archived). Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "Pilot Jobs WC 11th Nov '24 – Aviation Job Search". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "Instagram post by Aviation Job Search". Instagram. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "Twitter post by Aviation Job Search". Twitter. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "BBC Somali - Topics". BBC Somali. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
Category:Living people Category:2007 births Category:British people of Somali descent Category:Aviators Category:People from London