✈️ In the cockpit of a United Airlines jet, identical twins Jamil and Jalal Paul aren’t just flying—they’re rewriting the narrative of representation in aviation. The New Jersey-born, Houston-based brothers have turned a childhood dream into a shared mission: to fly together and show young people, especially Black youth, that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
🧒🏽 A Dream That Took Off at Age Four
Their love for aviation began early, sparked by a family flight from Newark to Miami when they were just four years old. That moment planted a seed that grew into a career neither brother pursued alone. “The goal was to always do life together in some form or fashion,” Jalal said. And now, they’re doing just that—side by side at 30,000 feet.
🌍 Flying With Purpose
The Paul brothers are acutely aware of the lack of diversity in their field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black pilots make up less than 4% of the commercial pilot workforce. That statistic drives their commitment to visibility and mentorship.
“Before we take off, I want [young passengers] to know what’s possible,” Jamil said. “They’ll hear my voice when we’re in the air and when we land, and when they see me, they can say, ‘That’s who was flying the plane.’”
To make that impact more personal, the twins often step into the cabin to deliver pre-flight announcements themselves. “We always wished we had an aviator who looked like us tell us those things,” Jalal added. “Usually, they didn’t resemble us. So, when someone who does tells you that you’ll be a great pilot, it’s more digestible.”
👨👦 A Full-Circle Father’s Day Surprise
This summer, the brothers had a chance to honor the man who first brought them aboard that life-changing flight. On Father’s Day, they surprised their dad by flying him on the same Newark-to-Miami route that sparked their passion. “He thought we were meeting for lunch,” Jalal said. “Instead, we surprised him with a trip.” Their father was the last to board, unaware his sons were in the cockpit.
🚀 More Than a Career—A Calling
For Jamil and Jalal, aviation is more than a profession—it’s a platform. They’re not just navigating airspace; they’re carving out space for others to follow. Their journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and their presence in the cockpit is a powerful reminder: representation matters, especially at 30,000 feet.