20 September 2022
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is celebrating Captain Aisha Al Mansoori who has become the UAE’s first female Emirati airline Captain. This milestone in UAE aviation is a product of Etihad’s efforts to promote the roles of women in aviation.
Al Mansoori, 33, joined Etihad’s cadet pilot programme in October 2007, one of only two Emirati women in her class. Such graduated in 2010 on to the Airbus A320. She progressed to become a Senior First Officer, and then the first female UAE national to fly the Airbus A380.
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.”
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.”
Al Mansoori commenced flying duties as a Captain on 28 August 2022, Emirati Women’s Day.
