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. 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.