Tuithaphai, June 18, 2025: Grace Lalzarzo Khawbung, a trailblazer from the Hmar community, has been appointed one of the 20 global Brand Ambassadors of Qatar Airways at the prestigious Paris Air Show 2025, held from June 16 to 22 at Le Bourget, France.
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| Grace Lalzarzo Khawbung |
Originally from Sielmat, Churachandpur district in Manipur, Grace is the daughter of R. Tawna Khawbung and Rose Khawbung. A former Miss Sikpui Ruoi titleholder in 2005 at the Manipur state level, she has now become the first known female pilot from the Hmar community. After undergoing extensive flight training in South Africa and the United States, she earned her Commercial Pilot License in April 2025. She is currently in the selection process for pilot placements.
Grace began her career with Qatar Airways over 13 years ago as a cabin crew member. Through dedication and professionalism, she steadily rose through the ranks to become a Cabin Service Director (CSD) - a senior role in which she oversees, trains, and mentors cabin crew while ensuring excellence in service and in-flight operations.
Her selection as a Brand Ambassador was officially announced during the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show, where Qatar Airways showcased a number of innovations, including:
• The Boeing 777-300ER featuring the UEFA Champions League livery
• The new Gulfstream G700
• The unveiling of ‘Qsuite Next Gen’, Qatar Airways’ next-generation business class product, which will be rolled out on the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350 fleets by late 2025
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At the event, Qatar Airways was once again recognized as a global aviation leader, winning the coveted Skytrax Airline of the Year 2025 award - marking its record ninth win. The airline also received several other honors:
• World’s Best Business Class
• Best Airline in the Middle East
• Best Business Class Airline Lounge (Al Mourjan Lounge – The Garden at Hamad International Airport)
• Skytrax Five-Star Airline Rating
Top 10 Airlines in the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025:
1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Cathay Pacific
4. Emirates
5. ANA All Nippon Airways
6. Turkish Airlines
7. Korean Air
8. Air France
9. Japan Airlines
10. Hainan Airlines
Grace Lalzarzo Khawbung’s remarkable journey - from a small town in northeastern India to the global aviation stage - not only marks a historic first for the Hmar community, but also represents a significant milestone for women in Indian aviation. Her story stands as an inspiring testament to determination, excellence, and representation in a traditionally male-dominated field.
