Ahead of International Women’s Day, the Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Committee (CAA) - Kazakhstan Saltanat Tompiyeva met with rescue pilot of Kazaviaspas JSC, and mother of four, Akerke Shopatayeva, who has recently been honored with the State medal “Eren enbegi ushin” (For distinguished labour) by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Congratulating her on the prestigious award, Saltanat Tompiyeva highlighted Akerke Shopatayeva’s significant contribution to the development of aviation and to saving human lives.

“On behalf of the Civil Aviation Committee, I sincerely congratulate you on receiving this high state award. It is well-deserved recognition of your professionalism, selfless service, and dedication to saving human lives. Your example demonstrates that women confidently take their rightful place in aviation and make a meaningful contribution to its development and to public safety,” said Mrs. Tompiyeva.

Akerke Shopatayeva has served as a rescue pilot at Kazaviapas since 2008. Over the years, she has taken part in numerous search-and-rescue operations, the evacuation of people during emergencies, and response efforts following natural disasters, including the suppression of major forest fires.

Akerke Shopatayeva was also one of the key speakers at the first workshop among 56 countries in the International Civil Aviation Organization EUR/NAT region dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment in aviation. The event took place in Almaty in 2025 and received high recognition from the international aviation community.

The pilot will take an active role in supporting Ms. Saltanat Tompiyeva as an ICAO Global Ambassador as she continues to implementе the objectives of the ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme. Ms. Tompiyeva highlighted that this Programme aims to raise awareness of key priorities for the development of civil aviation, including the sustainable growth of the aviation industry, training and attracting qualified aviation professionals, and expanding the participation of women and youth in the sector.

It should be recalled that in January of this year Saltanat Tompiyeva, Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Committee, was appointed ICAO Global Ambassador of this programme in Kazakhstan.

“During my 17 years of service, I have taken part in search-and-rescue operations, evacuated people, and fought forest fires, including large-scale wildfires covering 60,000 hectares in the Abai Region. We worked in extremely difficult conditions. And when people ask me whether I would like my children to follow in my footsteps, my answer is yes. To everyone who dreams of a career in aviation, I want to say: dream and never give up, because if I could do it, you can do it too,” said Akerke Shopatayeva.

The Civil Aviation Committee emphasized that Akerke Shopatayeva’s example clearly demonstrates the growing role of women in the aviation industry. Symbolically, this recognition comes on the eve of International Women’s Day on March 8. Her professional journey serves as an inspiration for a new generation of specialists choosing careers connecte