Airlines

Etihad pilot makes history as UAE’s first female Emirati Captain in commercial aviation

#Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, honored Captain Aisha Al Mansoori this week for becoming the UAE’s first female Emirati Captain in a commercial airline.

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, honored Captain Aisha Al Mansoori this week for becoming the UAE’s first female Emirati Captain in a commercial airline. This is a significant milestone for aviation in the UAE, and it is part of Etihad’s efforts to expand the roles of women in aviation, particularly among pilots.

At the Etihad Crew Briefing Centre, the pilot’s family, her crew mates, and senior management of the airline attended the ceremony for the command upgrade.

Being one of only two UAE national women in her batch, the 33-year-old Captain enrolled in Etihad’s Cadet Pilot programme in October 2007. Aisha Al Mansoori completed the programme satisfactorily in 2010, at which point she flew to Amman, Jordan, for her first flight.

Al Mansoori climbed the ranks, completing the requisite flying hours to become a Senior First Officer. She was then the first female UAE national to fly the superjumbo passenger aircraft the Airbus A380.

Aviation is gender-neutral, and to demonstrate this, Etihad’s pilots go through rigorous testing and follow to strict flying-hour regulations, ensuring the highest training standards in global aviation are upheld. Aisha earned her rank and undoubtedly motivated her fellow Emiratis and young girls all across the world to pursue their aviation aspirations.

On this occasion, 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.

On 28 August, Al Mansoori will commence regular flying duties as a Captain at Etihad, a day which also marks Emirati Women’s Day.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.