Aida Ismail’s journey to becoming one of Asia’s most influential aviation leaders began with a chance encounter at an event. Working in women’s healthcare, she never imagined she’d one day lead regional operations for a 45-year-old international aviation company or sit on the board of Asia Business Aviation Association. That serendipitous moment sparked a 22-year journey redefining what’s possible for women in Asian aviation.
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
In November 2019, Aida joined Hadid International Services, overseeing operations across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Success isn’t just about revenue,” Aida emphasizes. “It’s about producing more leaders, standing up to do the right thing, and having the ability to contribute
Championing Women & Future Generations, Deep-Rooted Community Impact
Aida’s commitment to social responsibility extends far beyond the aviation industry. She actively supports underserved children and single mother communities, sponsoring children’s education and creating pathways for families facing economic hardship. Through carefully designed experiential learning programs, she provides field trips that expose young people to aviation and other industries, opening their eyes to career possibilities they never imagined.
She mentors youth through financial literacy programs, believing that economic empowerment begins early. “To me, that is the ultimate happiness,” she says of investing in the next generation’s potential, regardless of their background.
As President of Women in Corporate Aviation Asia (WCAA), Aida has grown membership by 200% and established mentorship programs connecting 50+ emerging female professionals with industry leaders. With women representing only 6% of pilots and less than 1% of aviation leadership, her work is transforming the industry’s future.
Beyond corporate boundaries, she mentors youth through financial literacy programs. “To me, that is the ultimate happiness,” she says of developing the next generation.
Connect with Aida….
International speaking engagements
From Singapore to Kuala Lumpur to Brasilia, Aida has delivered meaningful, insightful and engaging talks to the widest variety of audiences. To discuss your speaker requirements, please click here.
Strategic advisory
Aida has delivered successful advisory projects covering SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) to airport planning (as a certified master planner), and everything in between. To discuss your strategic advisory requirements, please click here.
Industry partnerships
Connecting MROs, airlines, national aviation government bodies and more, Aida’s network is unequalled. To discuss your industry partnership requirements, please click here.
Testimonials
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Aida Ismail as a distinguished international speaker in the aviation industry. She brings a strategic and informed perspective that integrates aviation expertise with corporate social responsibility, including education, sustainability, inclusion, environmental impact, and youth development. Her ability to align industry performance with ethical leadership and long-term social value makes her contributions especially relevant to global organizations. She communicates with clarity, professionalism, and credibility, engaging diverse stakeholders and senior audiences effectively.
Mervet Sultan, President Women in Aviation, Middle East
Aida is a charismatic and influential international speaker. She is bold and passionate about uplifting women in all aspects of life. She draws her strength, strategy, experience and wisdom from her role as a global woman in aviation, a feat not shared by many. A fierce, resilient yet emotionally intelligent lady, she maneuvers her way to stay focused on her objectives and purpose
Tunku Rozita Malek, Capital Market Specialist, Board Member