Months of relentless effort, rigorous training and an unyielding passion for aviation have propelled Sruthi Saseendran into the Guinness World Records. The Thiruvananthapuram-born aviation enthusiast and expatriate achieved this remarkable feat by identifying the highest number of airport codes in a single minute.

Sruthi first dreamed of securing a Guinness World Record in 2012. However, she wasn’t sure which category to pursue. After getting married and moving to Melbourne in Australia, the long-cherished ambition resurfaced amid her busy work schedule. While she knew she wanted to set a record related to aviation, a childhood fascination of hers, she struggled to pinpoint the right challenge. Finally, she settled on an exceptional feat—identifying the maximum number of airport codes in the shortest time.

Realising that no one had attempted such a record before, Sruthi became determined to claim it for herself. She began training in 2023, memorising airport codes from around the world. Initially, she practised in her free time, managing to recall about 30 codes per minute. But as she refined her strategy—focusing on identifying airports by just the first letter of their codes—her speed improved dramatically.

She immersed herself completely in the challenge, thinking about codes at all hours—early mornings, while cooking, during work breaks and even while travelling. Once she gained the confidence to recognise any airport worldwide, she submitted her application for the record attempt.

Overcoming hurdles on path to success
The journey was far from easy. Sruthi faced multiple setbacks, including three rejections from Guinness World Records authorities. She also lost her job during the training period, which led to financial struggles. Yet, she remained undeterred, pushing forward with unwavering determination.
 

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Sruthi trying to set record



After multiple attempts and meticulous adherence to Guinness' strict guidelines—ensuring codes were not repeated and covering airports from various countries—her application was finally accepted. The official attempt was closely monitored through multiple camera angles, with strict rules on recording time and unedited footage. After months of verification, Guinness World Records confirmed her achievement.

A dream come true
Sruthi’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. "If you have a dream, never give up on it. Find the time to work towards it. Passion turns into habit, habit leads to achievement," she says. She credits her mother, Latha and husband, Ranjith, for their unwavering support, which kept her motivated through the toughest times.
 

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Sruthi with her family



Now based in Australia, Sruthi, along with her husband and their three-year-old daughter Nikita, continues to inspire others with her extraordinary accomplishment.