Etihad Airways has announced the appointment of its first female captain; Captain Aisha Al Mansoori.
Captain Aisha is the UAE’s first female Emirati Captain for a commercial airline. The command upgrade ceremony took place at Etihad’s Crew Briefing Centre last month.
Etihad said the appointment is a “significant milestone for aviation within the UAE” and is part of its efforts to expand the roles of women in aviation.
33-year-old Captain Aisha Al Mansoori joined Etihad’s Cadet Pilot programme in October 2007 and was one of only two UAE National females in her batch.
She successfully graduated from the programme in 2010 and commanded her first flight on an Airbus A320 to Amman, Jordan.
To obtain the rank of Captain, Al Mansoori completed Etihad’s rigorous programme of checks and the mandatory number of flying hours required.
She passed the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority’s theoretical knowledge and flying exams successfully and officially became the first Emirati female Captain to hold an Air Transport Pilot License in the UAE.
She was also the first female UAE national to fly the superjumbo passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380.
Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “Etihad is extremely proud of Captain Aisha’s achievement and the trailblazing role she is playing for women in aviation in the UAE.
“She will no doubt be the first of many, and Etihad looks forward to welcoming more female pilots to the rank of Captain in the future.
“Etihad remains committed to Emiratisation and to elevating Emirati women to play their part in the growth of the aviation industry.
“Aviation is gender blind, and to prove oneself, Etihad’s pilots undergo intensive exams and meet strict requirements on flying hours to ensure the highest standards of training in international aviation are upheld.
“Aisha earned her rank and will no doubt inspire her fellow Emiratis and young women around the world to follow their dreams in aviation.”
Captain Aisha Al Mansoori said: “I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to join Etihad’s Cadet Pilot programme and grow my career over the years with Etihad.
“I am thankful for the tremendous support I have received from my instructors at Etihad and for their guidance through my training, which has shaped my skills and prepared me for the rank of Captain.
“I am proud to be the first female Emirati to be a Captain in a commercial airline, and I hope I will be an inspiration to young women to follow this career path.”
Captain Aisha commenced her duties as a Captain with Etihad on 28 August, on Emirati Women’s Day.
For more information, please visit Etihad.com.
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