Commercial Pilot & Senior Commander at Air India; Youngest Woman to Fly Boeing 777; Leader of Record-Setting Polar Flight

New York, NY, USA

Zoya Agarwal Biography

Captain Zoya Agarwal is an Indian commercial pilot and senior commander at Air India, recognized for her contributions to aviation and for advancing the role of women in the industry. Agarwal was selected as one of seven candidates from a pool of 3,000 applicants to fly for Air India, becoming the fifth female pilot to join the airline. She became the youngest woman pilot to fly a Boeing 777, one of commercial aviation's largest and most complex aircraft. The Times of India has highlighted Agarwal as a notable female aviator in India.

Agarwal led an all-female cockpit crew—Captains Thanmai Papagari, Akanksha Sonaware, and Shivani Manhas—aboard a Boeing 777-200LR connecting San Francisco with Bengaluru. This flight covered nearly 16,000 kilometers and became the longest commercial flight operated by an Indian airline. The route, which included flying over the North Pole, is considered highly technical and is typically assigned to experienced pilots. Agarwal received national attention for her role in this achievement.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Agarwal co-piloted the first repatriation flight to India and served as a team leader for the Government's Vande Bharat Mission, evacuating Indians from 12 countries. She was also the first pilot to fly over the Hindu Kush mountains, further establishing her expertise in aviation.

Agarwal's influence extends beyond aviation. The United Nations selected her as its spokesperson for Generation Equality, and she was featured on International Youth Day to raise awareness among youth. She is the first Indian woman to be honored with a display in San Francisco's Aviation Museum. Agarwal has delivered talks at TEDx events, advocating for perseverance and leadership in male-dominated fields.

Agarwal has also pursued academic achievements, receiving a prestigious scholarship for the MBA program at Columbia Business School. She has earned awards such as Outstanding Achievement in Aviation and recognition from international dignitaries. As a Feldberg and Forte Fellow, Agarwal mentors and advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting women in aviation. Her career highlights resilience, leadership, and the advancement of women in commercial aviation.

BOOK Zoya Agarwal

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/09/2026.

Zoya Agarwal Speaking Topics

  • Against all Odds: Pioneering from Humble Beginnings to Trailblazing Success

    Join Captain Zoya Agarwal as she shares her captivating story of how she rose from modest roots to become a historic figure in aviation. She will take you through her remarkable journey of being the youngest woman pilot to command the Boeing 777 in the world to earning a place in San Francisco Aviation Museum to securing a fully funded scholarship at Columbia Business School, becoming the first Indian woman to do so, and leading the first all-women crew to fly over the North Pole, setting a world record. Her story is a powerful example of how resilience can overcome any obstacle and lead to trailblazing success.

    • Embark on an inspiring voyage through Captain Zoya Agarwal's life, witnessing her extraordinary rise from humble beginnings to become a trailblazer in her field.

    • Explore the formidable challenges she encountered along her path, and how she overcame them with unwavering determination and resilience, setting a pioneering example for others.

    • Absorb invaluable life lessons and insights drawn from Captain Zoya's experiences, offering a blueprint for personal and professional growth.
    • Be motivated to tackle personal obstacles and setbacks, driven by the trailblazing spirit that defines Captain Zoya's journey.
    • Discover the incredible power of resilience and determination as the driving force behind a trailblazing life journey, inspiring attendees to overcome their own adversities and chart their course to success.

  • Dreams Do Not Have a Gender: Breaking Barriers and Shattering Stereotype

    Captain Zoya Agarwal presents a compelling narrative that challenges gender stereotypes and inspires action. In this empowering presentation, Captain Zoya passionately advocates that dreams have no gender and that everyone, regardless of their gender identity, has the potential to pursue their aspirations. Drawing from her own journey, she addresses the pervasive issue of Impostor Syndrome, and the unique challenges women face in male-dominated fields. Captain Zoya's story is a testament to never giving up even when the world is against you, and she underscores the urgent need to empower the next generation by treating children as individuals, unburdened by societal expectations based on gender. Her message is a catalyst for change and a call to action.

    Attendee Takeaways:

    • Gain powerful insights into the pervasive impact of gender stereotypes and the role they play in limiting dreams and aspirations.
    • Learn how Impostor Syndrome affects women and discover strategies to overcome it and thrive in any career or field.
    • Be inspired by Captain Zoya's personal journey of breaking barriers and achieving remarkable success.
    • Understand the critical importance of fostering a gender-neutral environment for children, allowing them to explore their passions and potential without constraints.
    • Embrace the call to action to empower the next generation by treating children as individuals, irrespective of their gender, and enabling them to reach for their dreams with confidence and determination.

Read More +

Zoya Agarwal Videos

Rising Above Fear | Capt. Zoya Agarwal | TEDxIIFTDelhi

Rising Above Fear | Capt. Zoya Agarwal | TEDxIIFTDelhi

Captain Zoya Agarwal, a seasoned Boeing 777 Senior Commander and UN Women Spokesperson for Gender Equality imparts her wisdom on conquering fears and...

Indian Pilot Captain Zoya Agarwal Blazes Trail For Women In Aviation

Indian Pilot Captain Zoya Agarwal Blazes Trail For Women In Aviation

When Zoya Agarwal said she wanted to become a pilot, her mother told her to find a husband instead. She was born in an era where girls in India were...

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Zoya Agarwal is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Against all Odds: Pioneering from Humble Beginnings to Trailblazing Success, Dreams Do Not Have a Gender: Breaking Barriers and Shattering Stereotype, Turning 'No' into 'Yes': The Power of Resilience and Unwavering Determination, Thriving in Male-Dominated Fields: Overcoming Challenges and Succeeding and Breaking Through: Empowering Women of Color to Overcome Bias, Thrive Financially, and Create Impact. The estimated speaking fee range to book Zoya Agarwal for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Zoya Agarwal generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Olga Custodio, Amelia Rose Earhart, Kenisha Arora, Sakshi Malik and Smita Sharma. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Zoya Agarwal for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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