Born in Pakistan, Sabina Chaudhry’s journey in aviation began with frequent relocations to the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, sparking her love for travel and entrepreneurship.
She attended the University of South Carolina, working full-time at the state’s Department of Transportation, while earning her bachelor’s in political science. There, she gained insight into infrastructure development, blueprint analysis and community engagement. She later worked in real estate law and solid waste consulting, broadening her expertise in key regulatory and development areas. She earned a master’s in health care administration from USC, securing one of twelve competitive program slots.
In 2009, she founded American Infrastructure Development, initially as a general transportation consulting firm, before shifting to aviation. AID has since worked with over 70 airports nationwide, including Tampa International Airport.
Fulfilling her childhood dream, Chaudhry became a pilot and now serves as president and chief executive officer of AID, leading successful aviation projects across the U.S. and Caribbean.
- College alma mater? University of South Carolina (undergraduate and graduate degrees).
2. Favorite TV show of all time? Star Trek (the original). This started my passion for flying and aviation.
3. Preferred place for a business meeting? The Grand Cathedral Cigars.
4. Most used phone app? WhatsApp.
5. What time do you wake up on workdays? 4:00 a.m.
6. What’s a life hack you swear by? Exercise – swim, walk, bike – just move your body – great for your psyche and health!
7. First album/cassette tape/CD you remember buying? Blackfoot Strikes.
8. Favorite local restaurant? Michael’s Grill.
9. Last book you read? Attention Pays, by Neen James.
10. Biggest business failure? Allowing fear to drive my decisions and delay action – I’ve got a good handle on this now.
11. What was your first cell phone? Block.
12. Something you cook really well? Any kind of stew.
13. Most famous person you’ve ever met? Toss-up between President Obama, Barbara Corcoran and Dame Jane Goodall.
14. What is the last thing that made you laugh, really hard? Watching my dachshund boss my husky and Cane Corso/pit bull mix around. She terrifies them!
15. What is a movie you will NEVER watch again? Dune.
16. Last place you traveled for fun? Budapest.
17. What was your first car? A pumpkin orange, Datsun B-210.
18. Charity you support? I’m a sucker for charities. My favorites are the small ones most haven’t heard of – I love unsung heros – and will always support them. Some of my favorites are Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife, Heidi’s Legacy Dog Rescue and Broadway Magic Foundation.
19. What is something silly you got in trouble for as a child? I found a box of kittens by my neighbor’s house with a sign that read “free to good home” so I brought all of the kittens home. Mom wasn’t happy nor was the neighbor. I was forced to returned them all. I was devastated! This was probably what triggered my lifelong love for animals.
20. Best advice ever received? Begin anywhere.