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The Mission to 196 Countries

UNITING THE WORLD, ONE RUNWAY AT A TIME

The first mission to fly a single‑engine aircraft to all 196 countries while raising millions for global charity.

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MEET AWES

Awes Abdinor is a 22-year-old IFR-rated pilot, adventurer, and global explorer on a mission to become the first person in history to fly solo to all 196 countries, using aviation to connect people, cultures, and communities around the world.

With hundreds of hours of flight experience, Awes has flown a wide variety of aircraft, ranging from paramotors—the freest form of flight—to gliders, historic biplanes, helicopters, seaplanes, single-engine piston aircraft, and high-performance airplanes. Each aircraft has shaped his skills and deepened his passion for aviation.

Awes' first glimpse of a love for aviation was fueled by budget father-and-son trips to museums across the state. A second-grade field trip to the Museum of Flight left a lasting impression and sparked a passion that has only grown ever since. Today, Awes hopes to inspire others in the same way aviation inspired him by bringing out the human side of aviation and making it more relatable.

Although born in the United States, Awes grew up in Kenya for 12 years. Constant travel made airports his second home. From Jomo Kenyatta to JFK, Sea-Tac, Denver, and beyond, one thing always stood out: the pilots. They seemed distant and unreachable—heroes you couldn’t quite know. Through this mission, Awes aims to change that by showing the human side of aviation and making the cockpit feel closer to everyone.

Awes piloting a small aircraft cockpit
Awes standing by yellow airplane
Landscape photo of a young male pilot in a cockpit, warm golden-hour light, main focus on his face and headset

Phase 1 – The Americas

The first chapter begins across the Americas

Across the Americas, it’s time to experience new cultures, meet new people, and showcase the human side of aviation. This is the first chapter of something greater.

35

13,400+

35

126

countries

Nautical miles

30

Flight Hours

Airports

days

The Solo Odyssey

BEYOND BORDERS: THE FIRST SOLO FLIGHT TO EVERY NATION

A 22-year-old pilot’s mission to touch every corner of the earth, proving that aviation is a force for humanitarian change and global unity.

“As far as aviation goes and how far aviation has come throughout history no pilot has ever attempted to fly to all 196 countries solo, and I intend to become the first.

My goal is to become the first person in history to fly solo to all 196 countries in a single-engine aircraft. But this journey is about far more than setting an aviation record—it's about proving that aviation has the power to unite people, inspire hope, and create meaningful change.

Through this mission, Uniting the World One Runway at a Time, I aim to raise five million dollars to support cancer research, diabetes research, artificial kidney research, and various food security and hunger-relief programs around the world. By combining adventure with purpose, I hope to demonstrate that aviation can be a powerful force for humanitarian impact.

One of the biggest goals of this mission is to show the human side of aviation. When most people hear the word pilot, the first image that comes to mind is an airline pilot. Airline pilots deserve tremendous respect—they safely transport millions of people around the world every day and play an essential role in connecting our communities.

But aviation is so much bigger than the airlines.

Pilots come in many different forms. They fly bush planes delivering supplies to remote villages, seaplanes serving island communities, helicopters rescuing people in emergencies, firefighting aircraft protecting forests, air ambulances saving lives, research aircraft advancing science, humanitarian flights bringing hope, and small general aviation airplanes that open doors to adventure, exploration, and service.

Through this journey, I want people to discover that aviation is not just a career—it is a community filled with remarkable people, each with a unique story and purpose. I want to bring those stories to life and show the world the human side of aviation: the friendships, the cultures, the challenges, and the unforgettable moments that happen far beyond the flight deck.

Along the way, I plan to visit schools, hospitals, and local communities across the globe, sharing my story and encouraging young people to dream without limits. As someone who spent much of his childhood growing up in Kenya, I want every child I meet to know that where you come from does not define where you can go. With determination, resilience, and opportunity, even the most ambitious dreams are possible.

Every runway represents more than another destination—it represents another opportunity to connect with people, experience new cultures, and build friendships that transcend borders. I hope this journey demonstrates the incredible potential of general aviation to bring the world closer together, one flight at a time.

When the final landing is complete, I don't want this mission to be remembered simply as an aviation achievement. I want it to be remembered for the lives it touched, the young people it inspired, the communities it connected, and the conversations it started about what aviation truly is.

Because aviation isn't just about airplanes.

It's about people.”

Documentary Log

Episode 1: The Ascent

The journey begins with the first climb over the Atlantic, setting the stage for 196 runways and one global goal.

Episode 2: Sahara Silence

Navigating the vast desert expanse, we land in remote communities carrying a message of unity and hope.

Episode 3: Human Touch

Beyond the technical flying, this log captures the incredible stories of resilience from every continent reached.

Voices of the World

“The silver wings glinting over the Andes reminded us that we are all united under the same blue sky.”

PERU

“Crossing the Sahara in a single engine is a testament to human spirit and technical mastery.”

MALI

“Every landing brings hope to our missions. AWES ABDINOR is the bridge between science and humanity.”

GERMANY

$5,000,000

Empowering global health and food security through revolutionary research and humanitarian action.

Cancer Research
Diabetes Research
Artificial Kidney
World Food Programme

Mission Archive

A cinematic archive capturing the spirit of our global fleet, the resilience of world communities, and the vast horizons that unite us all.

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