At just 20 years old, Lilia Robles embodies determination, resilience, and the courage to dream beyond limits.
Originally from Bordeaux in the southwest of France, a city known for its vineyards, Lilia could have followed a path close to home. Instead, her ambitions were always higher. “My head was more oriented towards the sky than the ground,” she says with a smile.
Her dream began at 14 during a simple yet life-changing moment in the mountains. Sitting on a chairlift, watching clouds rush past, she saw a plane cross the sky. “At that moment, I knew,” she recalls. From then on, aviation was no longer just fascinating, it was her goal.
Like many young girls, Lilia initially doubted herself. “At the beginning, I wanted to be a flight attendant because I thought that the job of a pilot was inaccessible to me.” She wasn’t the top student in school and questioned whether she could succeed in a male-dominated industry. But over time, her mindset shifted. One day, she asked herself : “Why don’t I aspire to become a pilot, my ultimate dream?”
That question changed everything.
She committed herself fully to her studies, determined to enter flight school. Pilot training proved intense and demanding. “A large amount of information has to be assimilated in a short time. This is only possible with motivation and passion,” she explains.
“During my studies, I was lucky to be surrounded by inspiring people who allowed me to stay committed to my project and understand this incredible job,” she says.
Her training also gave her the opportunity to travel extensively, between the United States, France, and Belgium. “This experience allowed me to gain an in-depth understanding of the aviation world across different continents.” These international experiences broadened her perspective and strengthened her adaptability, two essential qualities in aviation.
After graduating, she became a flight instructor, sharing her knowledge and inspiring others. “This experience allowed me not only to strengthen my skills, but above all to transmit my passion for aviation to people of all ages.”
Her journey was not without setbacks. Airline selection processes are rigorous and competitive. After three unsuccessful attempts, many would have given up. Lilia did not. “My path has been winding, marked by moments of doubt and questioning,” she admits. “It is neither an easy training nor an easy profession.”
Her perseverance paid off. In July 2025, she joined ASL Belgium as a cargo pilot. Today, she flies night operations across Europe, transporting everything from small parcels to horses. The work is demanding, requiring constant vigilance and strong mental resilience, but she embraces the responsibility with pride.
Looking ahead, Lilia dreams of continuing to grow.“There is nothing more satisfying than combining work and passion and that’s what I am working towards.”
Lilia’s message is powerful and clear : “This profession has no gender. It belongs to those who dare to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves.” And to every young girl who hesitates, she adds: “Aviation belongs to you too.”
Lilia’s story reminds us that dreams do not depend on where you start, but on how fiercely you choose to pursue them. And for her, the sky is only the beginning.
