Aziza Seddik: First Arab Woman to Achieve ICAO Qualified Instructor Status

Supported by her family and driven by a passion for aviation since age 18, Tunisian Aziza Seddik has built a distinguished career in international civil aviation. Her dedication led her to earn the “ICAO Qualified Instructor” certification from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) through the dual Trainair Plus advanced training programme, making her the first Arab woman to receive this international accreditation to teach in both English and French.

In this interview, we highlight her 14-year journey and unique experience. As Head of the ICAO Regional Aviation Security Training Centre of Tunisia, she exemplifies leadership and has trained thousands of aviation professionals from multiple countries, demonstrating that Arab women can excel in and lead within the highly regulated aviation sector.

First Arab Woman Expert Achieves Rare Dual ICAO Status

Let us begin with your latest achievement, which is obtaining two “Instructor of Instructors” certifications in civil aviation from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)—the first for training in French and the second for training in English. What does this mean to you? And what distinguishes these two certificates?

A civil aviation instructor certificate is issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the specialised agency of the United Nations. This certification serves as an international qualification that allows its holder to train a specific demographic, namely aviation industry professionals and experts wishing to develop their pedagogical skills, enabling them to deliver courses designed by the organisation in accordance with the Trainair Plus curriculum and modern pedagogical techniques.

This certification broadens my professional opportunities, particularly in training, by supporting skills development and expanding my activities internationally.

This accreditation is unique because I am the first Arab woman to receive it, qualifying me to teach in both English and French. The organisation values language proficiency and issued me two ‘ICAO Qualified Instructor’ certificates: one for English and one for French.

Being the first Arab woman to attain this special accreditation, how did you receive this achievement and what specifically sets it apart? And how did your family react to this news?

Professionally, these certificates are not my first international accreditations. In 2018, I became an accredited international instructor and expert in aviation security. In 2026, I earned a second accreditation from the same UN organisation through the advanced ‘Trainair Plus’ programme.

My family was extremely proud of this achievement. The process was challenging: I applied for the qualification in 2023, was invited to take the exam in April 2026, and received my results and accreditation certificates about a week and a half after the test.

From Law Student to ICAO Expert

If we go back to the beginning, when did your passion for the aviation world start? And how did a trajectory of 14 years of experience and training take shape despite your young age?

Many people ask how I have 14 years of experience at my age. After earning my baccalaureate at 18, I began studying law in Tunis while also training as a “Civil Aviation Security Instructor” at the French National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC) in Toulouse. I received my certificate at 21, which was authenticated by the Tunisian Directorate General of Civil Aviation, officially accrediting me as a national instructor. This marked the start of my career.

You combined studying law and aviation simultaneously. How did your legal background influence your work as an instructor?

I hold a bachelor’s degree in law and plan to pursue a master’s degree when my schedule allows. Studying law has been invaluable, as civil aviation security is governed by international procedures and legislation established by ICAO in the Chicago Convention and its annexes, which all 193 member states must implement. Aviation security is therefore a comprehensive legal framework, not just a practical discipline. While many associate training with practical skills, we also teach international laws and conventions.

Secrets of Success: Family and a Passion for Aviation

The aviation security specialisation is a very precise and highly specific branch within the aviation industry. How did you choose this field? And what role did your father play in that?

Aviation security is a highly specialised field, and entering it is rarely an individual decision. The centre was established as a family investment, led by my father, a businessman and investor with no technical background. He encouraged me to pursue this field from a young age.

I have been involved since the centre’s inception and am considered a co-founder. While parental guidance is important, true success comes from personal dedication and passion for the field, which have been key to my achievements.

Delivering Global ICAO Training

After 14 years of intensive presence, how has your professional persona evolved through international training?

Over the past 14 years, I have participated in high-level international and regional meetings, delivered lectures, and trained thousands of professionals from civil aviation authorities, airlines, and airports worldwide.

Instructors begin as assistant national instructors. After at least five years of experience and with approval from the Tunisian Civil Aviation Authority, they may pursue international qualification. This process requires dedication and continuous improvement.

You spoke about training thousands of professionals. Is there a memorable moment or milestone from your training travels that you cannot forget?

Training is a core part of my work. A memorable milestone was being invited as an expert to Kigali, Rwanda, where, with a colleague, I helped train approximately 200 senior Rwandan police personnel working at the airport in just two weeks.

We provided training in postal and air cargo security. Additionally, many Rwandan professionals have visited our centre in Tunis for training in detecting suspicious behaviors. Rwanda remains a key client for our centre.

How do you handle training groups from diverse backgrounds? And do you design bespoke training portfolios tailored to specific job titles, such as pilots and air traffic controllers?

We do not design lessons based on specific job titles. Instead, we adapt our training courses to the context and needs of the target audience within the aviation industry.

For airlines, we tailor courses to their operations; for airport managers, we adapt content to the airport environment; and for civil aviation authorities, we emphasise legislation and regulations. We do not modify courses based on individual job titles.

Leading the Tunis Training Centre: A Unique Private Sector Model

In your capacity as the Head of the ICAO Regional Aviation Security Training Centre of Tunisia, what is the nature of this centre? And how would you describe this experience?

This centre is an international facility accredited by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and is privately owned as a result of a family investment. It has been instrumental in my career; without my role as director representing ICAO in Tunisia, I would not have become an international instructor. ICAO works only with official government entities or accredited training centres, not directly with individuals.

The centre was established in 2009 and received the first licence from the Tunisian Ministry of Transport to conduct civil aviation security training in the private sector. At the time, this field was traditionally managed by the Ministry of Interior, so the centre represented a significant step toward adopting international best practices.

There are 35 ICAO-accredited aviation security training centres worldwide. The Tunis centre is the only private centre to receive this accreditation as part of an ICAO initiative for the private sector, except for the Doncaster centre in Britain, which transitioned from government to private. All other centres are affiliated with governments or international bodies.

What are the most prominent challenges you face in managing a centre operating in a sensitive sector like aviation security? And how many members comprise the team of instructors at the centre?

Our main challenges involve fulfilling ICAO’s requirements, including implementing Annex 17 standards to protect civil aviation from unlawful interference and ensuring security in member states through competency-based training and compliance with international regulations. We work diligently to meet these obligations.

Our centre has about 30 staff members and holds dual accreditation: one in aviation security and another for the ‘Trainair Plus’ advanced training programme. We offer around 650 training courses across areas such as air navigation, safety, human capacity building, facilitation, and the environment, serving all civil aviation disciplines.

ICAO’s Gender Equality Programme

What are the most prominent challenges you have faced as a woman in this regulated sector?

My passion and dedication to the profession have helped me overcome challenges. After God and my family, I credit the International Civil Aviation Organisation for its significant support. ICAO actively promotes women’s empowerment through its ongoing Gender Equality Programme, which aims to create balance and engage women as active participants in the civil aviation industry.

Future Ambitions: Driving Continuous Improvement

What is your next goal after this international achievement? And what is your message?

I hope to earn additional accreditations, but my ambition extends beyond that. Our field is dynamic, and we are committed to continuous improvement.

My goal is to continually develop my skills and share my knowledge and experience with others, promoting expertise internationally. For us, this project is not simply a family business, but a national initiative for future generations in Tunisia.

We have learned that you are preparing for an upcoming business trip. Could you share the details with us?

I will travel to Algeria from July 19 to 21 on an official business mission to deliver a training and requalification course for instructors and senior personnel at Air Algérie.