The UAE national airline Etihad Airways this week honored Captain Aisha Al Mansouri, who became the first female captain of a commercial airline from the UAE.
This is an important milestone for aviation in the UAE and part of Etihad's efforts to expand the role of women in aviation, particularly in the pilot community.
The promotion ceremony took place at the Etihad Crew Briefing Center in the presence of the pilot's family, her colleagues from the Etihad pilot community and the airline's senior management.
The 33-year-old captain joined the Etihad pilot program for cadets in October 2007 and was one of two female UAE nationals in her group.
In 2010, Aisha Al Mansouri successfully completed the program and made her first flight on an Airbus A320 to Amman, Jordan.
Since then, Al Mansouri has risen through the ranks, having worked the required number of flight hours to become a senior first officer.
Then she was the first female citizen of the UAE, piloting a super-small passenger aircraft Airbus A380.
To obtain the rank of captain, Al Mansouri passed a strict Etihad inspection program and the mandatory number of flight hours required to obtain the rank of captain.
She successfully passed the theoretical knowledge and flight exams of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of the UAE and officially became the first female captain from the Emirates to receive an air transport pilot license in the UAE.
Mohammad Al Buluki, Chief Operating Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Etihad is extremely proud of Captain Aisha's achievements and the pioneering role she plays for women in UAE aviation. She will no doubt be the first of many, and Etihad hopes to welcome more female pilots to the rank of captain in the future.
“Etihad remains committed to emiratisation and enhancing the role of Emirati women in the development of the aviation industry.
“Aviation does not take gender differences into account, and in order to prove themselves, Etihad pilots undergo intensive exams and meet strict flight hours requirements to ensure compliance with the highest standards of training in international aviation. Aisha has earned her title and will no doubt inspire her fellow Emiratis and young women around the world to follow her dream in aviation.”
On this occasion, Captain Aisha Al Mansouri said: “I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to join the Etihad pilot program for cadets and develop my career over the years at Etihad. I am grateful for the tremendous support I received from my instructors at Etihad and for their guidance during my training, which shaped my skills and prepared me for the rank of captain.
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