Lima, Peru – At just nine years old, Paola Velasco’s life took an unexpected turn during a flight from Bolivia to Miami. What began as a simple trip with her mother would ignite a passion for aviation that would shatter gender norms and inspire countless women in Bolivia and beyond. Today, Velasco stands as a trailblazer in a profession where women are a rarity, having become the first female pilot to command a commercial flight in Bolivia.
Paola Velasco
Paola Velasco Was Born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Velasco’s story is one of grit, determination, and overcoming the many challenges that come with pursuing a career in a male-dominated field. After experiencing the thrill of her first flight, she knew that aviation would be her lifelong pursuit. “That’s when I decided I was going to be a pilot,” says Velasco, now 36, reflecting on the moment that would shape her future.
Despite the barriers women often face in such industries, Velasco’s passion propelled her forward. She was just 18 when she started her professional journey, securing a flight engineer job with Bolivian carrier AeroSur in 2007. Within two years, she was promoted to first officer on a Boeing 737-200, then later on the 737-300. Flying between domestic routes and international destinations like Miami, New York, and Washington, Velasco describes those years as living in a movie. “Pinch me,” she says, still awed by the experience.
However, not everyone was as enthusiastic about a young woman’s rapid ascent in the aviation world. Velasco faced skepticism from her male colleagues, and in an unexpected twist, even criticism from some female flight attendants. The challenges were real, with a manager secretly assigning observers to monitor her performance in the cockpit. Despite these setbacks, Velasco’s resolve remained unshaken.
By 2012, Velasco had earned the privilege of flying the Boeing 747-400 on long-haul flights, a role that left her in awe. “It takes your breath away when you see the size of that machine,” she recalls. However, her time with AeroSur was short-lived, as the airline shut down later that year. It was a bitter blow, but Velasco wasn’t ready to give up.
In 2014, she joined Bolivia’s national airline, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), where she once again broke barriers as the first female first officer on the 737-300. Just two years later, Velasco made history again when she became the first woman in Bolivia’s commercial aviation industry to be named pilot in command. Her rise to the top was not just a personal triumph but a symbol of hope and inspiration for aspiring female pilots across the region.
As Bolivia’s first female pilot in command, Velasco not only flew a commercial plane but also led by example. She captained BoA’s first-ever flight operated by an all-female crew, a groundbreaking achievement that was part of the UN-supported HeForShe gender-equality campaign. “I see more and more women in this profession now,” she says proudly. “I was the first and the only one. So it’s really nice to see a change.
Despite her professional success, Velasco’s career faced a setback in 2022 when she was forced to ground herself due to a medical condition known as inner-ear barotrauma, which affects many pilots due to pressure changes at high altitudes. Although the condition took her out of the skies, Velasco found a new calling as a flight instructor, guiding aspiring pilots in flight simulators. But as much as she embraced this new chapter, she knew she would eventually return to aviation.
“I had to stop doing what I really loved, and what I had been doing my whole life. It was difficult to stay grounded,” Velasco admits. However, a brighter chapter began in 2024 with the news of her pregnancy, as she prepares to welcome her first child in March 2025. This exciting new phase in her life, marked by the joys of motherhood, has not dulled her desire to return to the cockpit.
Velasco envisions herself flying again, though the nature of her future career remains uncertain due to her condition. She is exploring options such as accident investigation work or ground-based flight operations, while keeping her eyes on the skies. “I would love to return because I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she says with a hint of longing. “There is no bigger reward than doing what you are passionate about. There is nothing in this world that feels the same.
Her journey is one of perseverance and triumph. Paola Velasco’s story resonates beyond Bolivia, inspiring women across the globe, especially in India, where gender barriers in professional careers are often still a significant challenge. Velasco’s unyielding spirit shows that with passion and determination, one can soar to great heights no matter the obstacles. Her legacy continues to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the world of aviation and on the lives of countless women who dare to dream.
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