Etihad Airways has reached a historic milestone in the UAE’s aviation journey as Captain Huda Al Musallami becomes the country’s first Emirati woman pilot instructor. This achievement marks a significant transition in her career, moving from the cockpit to the vital role of training and qualifying the next generation of aviators. Her appointment reflects the broader national effort to foster leadership and specialized career paths for women across the aviation industry.
A Career Defined by Progression and Expertise
Al Musallami’s journey in aviation began in 2003, and she joined Etihad Airways in 2014. Over the years, she progressed through the ranks from co-pilot to Captain, reaching the position in 2023. In 2026, she achieved another career milestone by qualifying as a certified pilot instructor. Today, Al Musallami is certified to fly the Boeing 787 and has accumulated more than 10,000 flight hours. Her extensive operational experience also includes flying Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft, as well as the Boeing 777.
Academic Background and Training Responsibilities
- Beyond her operational experience, Al Musallami holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Information Systems.
- In her new role as a training Captain, she is responsible for preparing and qualifying pilots at various career stages.
- During her initial months in this role, she has already trained pilots of diverse nationalities and varying levels of experience.
- Al Musallami views this position as both a professional responsibility and a national duty, enabling her to pass on knowledge gained over more than two decades in the industry.
Institutional Support and National Vision
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief Human Resources, Government and Organisational Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, praised the achievement as a testament to what is possible when talent, determination, and opportunity align. “At Etihad Airways, we fly the ambitions of our beloved nation high, and Captain Huda’s achievement is the best example of what talent creates when combined with determination and opportunity,” Bastaki stated. She further noted that Al Musallami is opening new pathways for Emirati women while contributing to the development of future pilots.
Bastaki emphasized that this success is an extension of the UAE leadership’s vision to empower women to become pioneers across all fields. Currently, Emirati women account for 75 per cent of Emirati citizens working at Etihad Airways, serving in roles ranging from cockpit operations to senior decision-making positions. As the UAE strengthens its status as a global aviation hub, Etihad Airways remains committed to investing in local talent and creating opportunities for the next generation to contribute to the future of the aviation sector.
Source: Gulf Today
