Udupi’s first woman commercial pilot: Karkala’s Shaini Asma Saldanha creates history

Udupi’s first woman commercial pilot: Karkala’s Shaini Asma Saldanha creates history

Mangalore Today News Network

Karkala, Aug. 13, 2026: Shaini Asma Saldanha of Koudoor in Karkala taluk has created history by becoming the first woman from Udupi district to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) after successfully completing her pilot training.

Shaini is the daughter of Ashok Jacob Saldanha and Maria Gretta Saldanha of Ranganapalke, Koudoor. She completed her schooling and pre-university education at Christ King Educational Institution in Karkala.

Determined to fulfil her childhood dream of becoming a pilot, Shaini successfully cleared the entrance examination for the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) in Bengaluru. She subsequently underwent professional pilot training at the IGRUA campus in Fursatganj, Uttar Pradesh, from August 2023.

After successfully completing all stages of the rigorous training programme, Shaini earned her Commercial Pilot Licence, marking a significant milestone in her aviation career.

Her achievement has made her a role model for aspiring young women in Udupi district who dream of pursuing careers in aviation.

At a time when the participation of women in the aviation sector is steadily increasing, Shaini’s accomplishment has drawn widespread appreciation. Family members, friends and residents of Karkala have congratulated her on this historic achievement.