Alexandra Lima

She studied in Luanda, but at secondary school she chose to abandon her studies, because the course didn’t do anything for her. She enrolled to become a flight attendant and worked for three years. As soon as a pilot’s course opened, in the former Yugoslavia, she didn’t hesitate and enrolled. Since then, Alexandra Lima has been passionate about aviation. She is a TAAG captain. As a co-pilot, she has flown the largest twin-engine plane in the world, the Boeing 777-300ER. Outside of work, Alexandra is a very concerned head of the family, she loves cooking and spending time with her children and grandchildren, with whom she likes to ‘shoot the breeze’ and «receive affection and love». She admits she has many faults, but she is on a constant quest to become a better person every day. To the women of her country and of her continent she would like to tell them that «a woman’s place is where she wants to be.»

Do you see yourself as a woman who is passionate about what you do? When did the desire to become a flight attendant arise? 
Today, my great passion is my job. I think the desire to become a flight attendant was more because of the lack of desire to keep doing the course I was on. 

What did you feel when you flew a plane for the first time? 
Flying your first solo flight is an indescribable and unforgettable moment. A mixture of joy and dread, because from then on, it’s me and the plane (she laughs). 

And what did you feel when you flew the largest twin-engine aircraft in the world, the Boeing 777-300ER? 
I was part of the group that Boeing picked up for the first 777s and, right then and there, I fell in love. I was still a co-pilot. The day I flew as captain was very special, a dream, a gift from God. 

Have you ever felt fear on a flight? If yes, how did you overcome that fear?
We are prepared for emergencies, because we use simulators, we do theoretical reviews and training... Which doesn’t mean that, when faced with certain situations, you don’t feel fear, but you always need calm and serenity.

«Today, my great passion is my job»

What is so special about the world of aviation, that has kept you at the controls until today?
Aviation seduces and intoxicates all those who get into it, in the most diverse ways, and I was no exception (she laughs). Even when I’m off duty, I find myself looking up when I hear the noise of a plane. 

Does being a captain force you to be constantly up-to-date?
Pilots are obliged to be constantly up-to-date. 

Could you see yourself doing anything other than flying?
 Today I can’t see myself doing any other job than being in the cockpit of an aeroplane.

Of all the destinations you have flown to, which one impressed you the most and why? Every destination delights me, whether for the people, the culture, the cuisine or the climate. You always manage to discover different things and experiences.

«Machismo and intolerance have always existed and it is no different nowadays, unfortunately!»

Throughout your career, have you ever felt insecure/disappointed about being a woman captain in the midst of so many men? 
Machismo and intolerance have always existed and it’s no different nowadays, unfortunately! You have to be tough sometimes and demand respect ALWAYS. 

What is needed for there to be more women captains? 
Today TAAG has one female captain and three female co-pilots. It is an expensive course and perhaps people do not want to take the risk, because it is a life with many sacrifices.

Surely you must feel that you are an example for Angolan and African women. What advice would you give to these women who are thinking about taking up this profession?
I would like to say to the women of my country and of my continent that a woman’s place is where she wants to be. We women can do everything that any human being can do, so we cannot accept what society wants. 

We are celebrating the 13th anniversary of Villas&Golfe magazine, in Angola. What have these last 13 years represented for you, in your life and in the country?
These last 13 years have been marked by losses and victories. I lost my grandmother, who was always my point of reference and who I loved so much, but recently I gained two beings who fill my life, my grandchildren. Professionally, I have learned more, I have gained more experience.