Nigerian-British pilot Ademilola Odujinrin has secured a place in aviation history after becoming the first African to complete a solo flight around the world, concluding a remarkable nine-month journey that spanned five continents in a single-engine aircraft.
Popularly known as Lola, Odujinrin wrapped up his “One Man, One Plane” expedition on March 29, 2017, landing at Washington Dulles International Airport, the same airport where he had taken off months earlier.
Speaking on the achievement, he noted that fewer than 115 people had ever accomplished a solo circumnavigation by air, describing it as a lifelong ambition.
He also acknowledged the support of Mario Fulgoni and Bruce Dickinson, whom he said shared his passion for aviation and played key roles in helping him realise the dream.
Key facts about Ademilola Odujinrin
- Born in South London, he later moved to Nigeria at an early age.
- Widely known in aviation circles by the nickname “Lola.”
- Earned his Private Pilot Licence at age 20 in just 19 days.
- Trained professionally in both the UK and the US.
- Flew with Arik Air for five years.
- Also worked with Air Djibouti, gaining global exposure.
- Has logged over 4,000 flight hours since obtaining his commercial licence in 2011.
- Certified to fly the Boeing 737.
Historic global journey
- His round-the-world trip, tagged “One Man, One Plane,” began in June 2016 at age 38.
- It lasted nine months, covering more than 15 countries across five continents.
- He flew a specially modified Cirrus SR22.
- The journey both started and ended at Washington Dulles International Airport.
- He became the first African and the ninth British pilot to achieve the feat.
- He is among only about 117 individuals globally to complete a solo circumnavigation by air.
Despite the milestone, the journey was not without challenges. Odujinrin faced financial difficulties during the trip, resorting to crowdfunding and stopovers to raise funds. Support from Bruce Dickinson helped him complete the final leg.
His route took him through multiple countries, including Canada, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Malta, Egypt, Djibouti, Oman, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Australia. Notably, he reportedly skipped stops in Africa due to limited corporate sponsorship.
Beyond setting records, Odujinrin’s mission through Project Transcend is to inspire young Africans to pursue bold ambitions, regardless of limitations.
