From Braille storybooks to early childhood aviation education, the founder of Special North is creating a world where every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to dream, discover and succeed.

By Shereen Shabnam

Meeting Aida Ismail in Dubai was an inspiring experience. As we discussed her work, what struck me most was not simply her impressive career in aviation, but her determination to ensure that children of all abilities have access to opportunities that could shape their futures. Her passion for inclusive education, particularly her efforts to make learning accessible through Braille and other innovative formats, left a lasting impression.

In a world where educational opportunities are not always equally accessible, Aida is challenging conventional thinking by combining aviation, storytelling, technology and social responsibility to create meaningful learning experiences for young children.

As the founder of Special North, an educational initiative dedicated to early childhood STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Aida is working towards an ambitious goal: introducing children to the fascinating world of aviation and aerospace while ensuring that children of determination are not left behind.

With more than 21 years of experience in executive aviation across Asia, New Zealand, Australia and the Middle East, Aida brings considerable industry knowledge to her latest venture.

She is the Managing Director of Executive Aviation (M) Sdn Bhd and serves on the Board of Governors of the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), positions that have given her valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the global aviation industry. One of those challenges is the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals.

According to figures referenced in Special North’s industry briefing, Boeing’s long-term outlook indicates that the commercial aviation sector will require more than 2.4 million new personnel by 2045, including pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians and cabin crew.

For Aida, addressing this challenge means looking beyond traditional recruitment strategies and introducing aviation concepts to children at a much younger age. Her approach focuses on children between four and nine years old, encouraging curiosity, creativity and problem-solving during their formative years.

Rather than waiting until students reach secondary school to introduce aviation career possibilities, Special North aims to plant the seeds of interest through imaginative storytelling and interactive learning. What makes Special North particularly compelling is its commitment to accessibility.

During our conversation in Dubai, I was especially impressed by Aida’s focus on Braille and the importance she places on ensuring that visually impaired children can enjoy the same educational experiences as their peers. Her philosophy recognises that a child’s ability to dream should never be limited by physical challenges or the availability of conventional learning materials.

Through Special North, educational content is designed to be available in multiple formats, including traditional hardcover books, Braille, electronic Braille, audiobooks and sign language videos. These different formats address the needs of children with varying abilities and learning preferences, creating a more inclusive educational environment. Audiobooks offer another dimension of engagement, while sign language videos help make content available to children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

It is an approach that goes beyond simply producing children’s books. It reflects a broader belief that inclusion must be built into the foundations of education rather than introduced as an afterthought. Aida’s work is a reminder that accessibility is not merely about adapting existing resources. It is about designing opportunities that recognise the potential of every child from the outset.

At the heart of Special North is Sunny’s Aviation Adventure Series, a collection of 20 aviation-themed titles designed to introduce young readers to the science and excitement of flight. Through engaging characters and imaginative adventures, the series translates subjects such as aerodynamics, flight mechanics and aerospace technology into concepts that children can understand and enjoy.

The intention is to make technical subjects approachable without losing the sense of wonder that makes aviation so fascinating. By introducing these ideas through stories, Special North encourages children to develop an interest in science, engineering, technology and creative problem-solving.

The books also create opportunities for parents, teachers and educators to engage children in conversations about future careers and the many possibilities within the aviation industry. Importantly, the initiative recognises that the aviation ecosystem extends far beyond pilots and cabin crew. Engineering, maintenance, technology, design and other specialised disciplines all contribute to an industry that depends on diverse talents and expertise.

For children who may never have considered aviation as a possible career path, these early encounters could become the beginning of a lifelong interest. Aida’s vision also extends to the role that corporations can play in supporting accessible education. Special North offers airlines, aircraft manufacturers and airport operators opportunities to incorporate inclusive educational initiatives into their environmental, social and governance (ESG) programmes.

These include co-branded inflight entertainment kits for young travellers, educational workshops in schools and Buy-1-Give-1 community initiatives that can help extend the reach of learning materials.

What stayed with me after meeting Aida was the sincerity of her commitment to children who are too often overlooked when educational products and experiences are developed.  Aida’s journey from aviation executive to educational entrepreneur illustrates how professional expertise can be channelled into initiatives with wider social impact.