NARITA, Chiba Simren Ghumman, a 53-year-old pilot from India, has found a fresh start in Japan after the COVID-19 pandemic changed her life and career. Today, she flies for Jetstar Japan Co., operating out of Narita Airport and traveling to destinations across Japan as well as international cities such as Taipei and Manila.
For Ghumman, flying is more than a job. She focuses on safety, fuel efficiency, punctuality, and passenger comfort on every flight. Hearing passengers say, “It was a good flight” or praise her smooth landings brings her great satisfaction. She often calls the cockpit her “second home.”
Born in Chandigarh, India, Ghumman grew up in a family that valued discipline and education. Her father was a fighter pilot, and her mother worked as a teacher. Because of her father’s profession, she moved frequently during childhood and learned to adapt easily to new places and people. Inspired by her father, she dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot herself. However, at that time, women were not allowed to join the Indian Air Force.
Determined not to give up on her dream of flying, Ghumman worked hard and earned her pilot’s license in 1994. Her achievement made her father proud, and she went on to build a successful flying career in India and Sri Lanka.
Everything changed when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Like many in the aviation industry, Ghumman lost her job, and her future plans were put on hold. Dreams of buying a house and flying larger aircraft suddenly seemed out of reach. Despite these challenges, she refused to lose hope.
Looking for new opportunities, Ghumman applied for a position in Japan and was hired by Jetstar Japan. In March 2023, she moved to Narita, Chiba Prefecture, beginning a new chapter in her life.
Adjusting to life in Japan was not easy at first. She noticed that people dressed in quieter colors and were generally more reserved than in India. However, she quickly grew to admire Japanese society. She appreciated the politeness, attention to detail, and strong sense of punctuality. Japan’s efficient train system and the kindness of everyday people also made her feel welcome.
Nearly three years after moving to Japan, Ghumman has not only rebuilt her career but also found a sense of belonging. Her journey is a story of resilience, adaptability, and the courage to start again proving that even after major setbacks, new opportunities can take flight.
Original news source: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260108/p2a/00m/0na/016000c
