Captain Ahmed Nur is a pioneering Somali entrepreneur whose vision and leadership have transformed his country’s aviation landscape. From founding Starsom Travel and Tourism Agency to building Starsky Aviation into a multi-faceted aviation group, Captain Nur has driven a national renaissance in air connectivity, infrastructure rehabilitation, and local capacity building.
Career and Vision
Captain Nur began his career in travel and tourism, where firsthand exposure to Somalia’s connectivity challenges inspired him to create practical, scalable solutions. Determined to rebuild a self-reliant aviation sector, he founded Starsky Aviation and expanded it into a comprehensive aviation ecosystem that today includes:
- Starsky Aviation Ltd
- Diamond Wings Aviation Ltd
- Kasom Air Aviation Ltd
- Royal Air
- Network Airline
Operational Leadership and Fleet Strategy
Under his stewardship, Starsky Aviation has become one of Somalia’s largest private carriers. The operational fleet blends turboprops and regional jets tailored to Somalia’s varied airfields, enabling reliable domestic and regional service. Current assets include Fokker 50s, Embraer 120s, a CRJ 200, and a Fokker 100, with expansion plans to add Boeing 737-800 freighters and passenger-configured 737-800s to strengthen cargo and international links.
Nation-Building Impact
Captain Nur’s work goes beyond commercial aviation. He led coordinated efforts with local communities, elders, and federal authorities to rehabilitate and reopen more than 30 previously inaccessible airports—reconnecting isolated communities, restoring trade routes, and enabling humanitarian access. The reopening of Caabudwaaq airport is a notable example: a project that reconnected families, restored local commerce, and symbolized renewed dignity for the community.
Commitment to Local Capacity and Sustainability
A cornerstone of Captain Nur’s strategy is investment in human capital. Through the group’s Aviation Institute initiatives, Starsky is training pilots, technicians, and maintenance personnel—creating sustainable, locally based expertise essential for long-term self-reliance and safety standards. This focus positions Somalia’s aviation sector to compete at regional and international levels.
Recognition and Awards
Captain Nur’s leadership and Starsky Aviation’s operational excellence have earned widespread recognition:
- • Starsky Aviation: Best Airline & Business of the Year, six consecutive years (2021–2025)
- • Captain Ahmed Nur: Named among the 100 Most Influential Somali People (three times)
- • Businessperson of the Year (three times)
- • Most Visionary CEO of East Africa
Legacy and Future
As Somali Magazine’s Business Person of the Year 2025, Captain Ahmed Nur is celebrated for more than corporate success—he is honored for rebuilding lifelines, restoring national pride, and creating pathways for future generations. His five-year strategic priorities—fleet modernization, regional route expansion, and intensive investment in training and maintenance capacity—aim to cement a resilient, world-class Somali aviation ecosystem that serves the nation and the broader East African region.