Early Life and Education

Captain Ahmed Dahir Nur is a distinguished Somali entrepreneur, aviator, and philanthropist, widely recognized as one of East Africa’s most respected figures in the aviation industry. Born and raised in Somalia, Ahmed demonstrated remarkable ambition and leadership from a young age. His journey into aviation began not in the skies, but through an unshakable determination to transform his country’s infrastructure and connect communities across regions long isolated by years of conflict.

After completing his secondary education at Ahmed Gurey Secondary School in 2009, Ahmed’s passion for knowledge led him to pursue a Diploma in English from the Integrated Learning Institute in 2010, followed by a Diploma in Human Resource Management in 2012. His academic journey culminated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Jazeera University in Mogadishu in 2015 — a foundation that would later support his strong business acumen and organizational leadership.

Even as a student, Ahmed’s entrepreneurial drive was evident. At the young age of 19, he founded Starsom Travel and Tourism Agency in 2012, marking the first step in what would become a legacy of aviation leadership.

Entrepreneurial Journey

Ahmed’s first venture, Starsom Travel and Tourism Agency, offered ticketing, visa facilitation, and Hajj and Umrah services. The agency quickly gained reputation for reliability and professionalism, inspiring Ahmed to expand into airline operations. This vision gave birth to Starsom Air, a domestic airline that operated across Somalia, contributing directly to the reopening of 30 airports and revitalizing the country’s air transport infrastructure.

His relentless pursuit of excellence led to the rebranding of Starsom Air into Starsky Aviation Ltd in 2021, headquartered in Mogadishu and Nairobi. Under his leadership, Starsky Aviation became one of Somalia’s largest private carriers, operating a fleet including Fokker 50, Three Embraer 120, and CRJ 200 aircraft, with expansion plans to introduce two Boeing 737-400F freighters to enhance international and cargo operations.

In 2019, Ahmed’s vision transcended national borders with the founding of Halla Airlines in Nairobi, Kenya, broadening his footprint in East Africa’s aviation landscape. His reputation for operational excellence and adherence to safety standards earned him immense respect among regulators and aviation professionals alike.

In 2022, he launched Diamond Wings Aviation Ltd, based in Nairobi, focusing on advanced aviation consultancy, charter operations, and aircraft management.

Two years later, in 2024, Ahmed founded Flytech Aviation Ltd, a company specializing in aviation technical services, maintenance, and pilot training — a testament to his long-term vision of developing homegrown aviation expertise.

Reflecting on his journey, Captain Ahmed often says:

“Aviation is not just about flying aircraft — it is about connecting people, building trust, and transforming nations.”

Achievements and Recognition

Captain Ahmed Dahir Nur’s leadership and influence have been recognized both nationally and internationally. Over his 13-year career, he has earned a remarkable series of distinctions that underscore his commitment to excellence, innovation, and ethical governance.

In December 2022, he received the prestigious IATA Award for his outstanding compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), a testament to his commitment to international aviation standards. The same year, he represented Somalia at the Sudan Mhan Air Business Show and later at the Dubai Air Show, where he stood as the only Somali business aviation representative, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s presence in global aviation forums.

His companies have achieved record-breaking growth and recognition, with Starsky Aviation Ltd being named Best Airline of the Year in 2022 and 2023, while Diamond Wings Aviation Ltd became a regional benchmark for operational excellence.

Captain Ahmed’s personal honors include:

• 2022 – Listed in the “100 Most Influential Somali People” by Somali Magazine
• 2023 – Listed in the “100 Most Influential Somali People” by Somali Magazine
• 2024 – Listed in the “100 Most Influential Somali People” by Somali Magazine
• 2025 – Listed in the “100 Most Influential Somali People” by Somali Magazine
• 2023 – Business Person of the Year (Somali Magazine)
• 2024 – Business Person of the Year (Somali Magazine)
• 2024 – Excellence in Leadership Award – East Africa Region
• 2025 – Business Person of the Year (Somali Magazine)
• 2025 – Exemplifying Aviation Excellence and Ethical Business Governance Award

As a licensed pilot, Captain Ahmed Dahir Nur combines business leadership with firsthand aviation experience, setting him apart as both a strategic executive and a skilled aviator. His dual expertise ensures that his companies operate with a deep understanding of both management and flight operations.

Vision and Leadership

Captain Ahmed Dahir Nur’s leadership philosophy is grounded in discipline, innovation, and community empowerment. He envisions a future where Somali and East African aviation are globally competitive, self-reliant, and sustainable.

Under his direction, Starsky Aviation has become a symbol of resilience and national pride, connecting remote regions and supporting humanitarian and development missions in partnership with international organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP).

Ahmed believes in empowering youth and nurturing talent within Somalia.

“We must invest in our young people. They are the pilots, engineers, and innovators who will carry our nation forward,” he often emphasizes.

He continues to advocate for improved aviation training standards, infrastructure modernization, and gender inclusion in aviation careers. His companies prioritize safety, quality service, and workforce development, making them some of the most trusted operators in the Horn of Africa.

His approach to leadership has earned him a reputation as the most respected aviation figure in East Africa, admired for his humility, strategic foresight, and ethical governance.

Legacy and Impact

Over the span of more than a decade, Captain Ahmed Dahir Nur has built a legacy defined by transformation, integrity, and vision. From his first venture as a teenager to leading multiple aviation enterprises, his story symbolizes the potential of African entrepreneurship at its best.

Today, he stands as the founder and CEO of four thriving aviation companies — Starsky Aviation Ltd, Diamond Wings Aviation Ltd, Flytech Aviation Ltd, and Kesom Air Aviation Ltd — collectively employing hundreds of professionals and contributing immensely to Somalia’s economic recovery and regional integration.

Beyond business, Ahmed’s philanthropic work continues quietly but effectively. He supports education programs, youth empowerment initiatives, and community development projects aimed at fostering social progress and opportunity.

As a visionary leader and accomplished pilot, his ambition remains steadfast:

“My dream is to see Somalia rise among the aviation leaders of Africa — where our airlines, our engineers, and our pilots inspire the world.”

Captain Ahmed Dahir Nur’s enduring influence extends far beyond runways and aircraft fleets. His unwavering commitment to innovation, ethics, and national development positions him as a true pioneer — a man whose wings of vision continue to lift not only his companies but also the hopes of a generation.

In line with his enduring vision to elevate Somalia’s presence in the global aviation arena, Captain Ahmed Dahir Nur is spearheading an ambitious initiative — the First Somali Airshow and Aviation Expo, scheduled for December 2025. This historic event will mark the first of its kind in East Africa, bringing together airlines, aircraft manufacturers, aviation authorities, investors, and professionals from around the world to showcase innovation, discuss emerging technologies, and promote collaboration within the African aviation ecosystem.

With meticulous planning and unwavering determination, Captain Ahmed has already assembled a dedicated team of aviation experts, industry advisors, and event professionals to ensure the expo’s success. He has also established strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders to build a platform that reflects Somalia’s transformation from recovery to global engagement. The expo aims to serve as both a business and educational forum, inspiring young Somali aviators, engineers, and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities within the aviation and aerospace sectors.

According to Captain Ahmed, the upcoming airshow is more than just an exhibition — it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and national pride.

“The Somali Airshow is not just about aircraft; it’s about showing the world that Somalia is ready to soar — to lead, to innovate, and to connect,” he affirms.

Through this groundbreaking initiative, Captain Ahmed Dahir Nur once again demonstrates his commitment to positioning Somalia as a center of aviation excellence and economic opportunity in East Africa, setting a new standard for visionary leadership across the continent.