Meet the first female Emirati Captain

An Etihad pilot has made UAE aviation history, becoming the first female Emirati Captain in a commercial airline.

Aisha Al Mansoori, who joined the airline's cadet pilot programme in 2007, climbed through the ranks to become Captain.

The 33-year-old earned her stripes after completing a rigorous programme of checks and the mandatory number of flying hours.

The command upgrade ceremony took place at Etihad's Crew Briefing Centre in the presence of the pilot's family, her peers in Etihad’s pilot community, and the airline's senior management.

"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," said Al Mansoori.

She will commence regular flying duties as a Captain on August 28, coinciding with Emirati Women’s Day.

In 2010, Al Mansoori graduated from Etihad's cadet pilot programme and took her first flight on an Airbus A320 to Amman, Jordan.

She later became a Senior First Officer and was then the first female UAE national to fly the Airbus A380.

"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," said Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group.