A bust monument of Maria Atanasova, the first female pilot in Bulgaria’s civil aviation, was unveiled in the village of Kalekovets,
Maritsa Municipality, on September 23, 2025. This remarkable Bulgarian woman also inscribed her name in world history as the first female captain of a heavy aircraft.
This happened in 1965, sixty years ago, when under extreme weather conditions and thick fog, she landed an Il-18 passenger airplane with 73 passengers on board at Heathrow Airport. The event caused a true sensation in the international media, and Maria Atanasova appeared on the front pages of major newspapers. The interest in her was so great that the Bulgarian government organized a special flight over London for journalists who wanted proof that the Bulgarian woman could indeed fly the aircraft. She did so, landing it exceptionally smoothly.
Today, a quote of hers stands displayed at Heathrow Airport: "The first remain first and are remembered for a lifetime."
Hundreds of Bulgarians gathered in the central square of her native village for the unveiling of her monument to honor her legacy.
"Our history brings us together today to show our respect to a great Bulgarian woman who left a lasting trace. She is an example of courage and love for the homeland, and another proof that Bulgaria gives birth to people who can cross boundaries and write new pages in world history. Memory is alive, as is our belief that heroes are among us, and their deeds obligate us," said the mayor of Kalekovets, Georgi Valkov. He thanked the association "Women Today," which initiated the project ten years ago and, after meeting with him, received support from Maritsa Municipality and dozens of Kalekovets residents who donated funds for the monument.
The mayor of Maritsa Municipality, Dimitar Ivanov, added: "Today we show that we honor our worthy citizens – people who became heroes not only in times of liberation wars, but also in peaceful times. Figures like Captain Atanasova are a vivid example for us. She was a dreamer who set goals and did not give up until she achieved them. A personality with a spirit that inspires." He turned to the children, encouraging them to study diligently because knowledge is the path to success: "Dream, strive, reach high! We believe in you, and we know that one day you too will be heroes – examples for your families, for your community, for Bulgaria." Ivanov expressed gratitude to all involved in the initiative.
Afterward, together with the mayor of Kalekovets, he unveiled the monument, and Father Krasimir blessed it. A unit from the Joint Special Operations Command, along with its commander, Colonel Ivan Todorov, also took part in the ceremony.
Present at the event were Maria Atanasova’s nieces – Milena Panova and Pavlina Tankova, as well as her second cousin, Nikola Yalandzhiyski. "Our family has always held Maria in deep respect, and we are happy to be here today," shared 95-year-old Nikola. He explained that she led a life filled with challenges but always remained modest, hardworking, and devoted. "My aunt told us that passengers were often surprised at the end of a flight when they learned the aircraft had been flown by a woman. Many wanted to meet her and were impressed by her professionalism and smooth landings. They often applauded her," recalled her eldest niece, Milena Panova.
The sculptor of the bust is Vladimir Vladov, and the marble pedestal was created by Dimitar Gogichev.
The event was also attended by the Chairwoman of the Maritsa Municipal Council, Violeta Hristodulova, Deputy Mayor Nikolay Stamatov, village mayors from the municipality, council members, residents, students, and public figures from Kalekovets.
Photo: Maritsa Municipality.
In the picture: the mayors of Kalekovets and Maritsa Municipality unveiling the monument to Maria Atanasova on September 23, 2025.
