Women pilots are still relatively rare among the Middle East airlines and local females even more so. But this is slowly changing as cultural career barriers are dismantled in a number of professions, including aviation where Arab women are taking their place as pilots, managers and technicians.
Etihad has made significant strides with its cadet scheme for Emiratis. Last October, Salma Al-Baloushi and Aisha Al-Mansouri became the first females to achieve their airline transport pilot licences as part of the programme.
The pair - part of an 11-strong cohort - began their training in September 2007 and on graduating attained the rank of second officers. They then went on to undertake a multi-crew conversion course to gain their wings as Airbus A320 first officers.
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© EtihadArab women pilots are slowly finding their place |
Emirates' first UAE female pilot graduated two years ago and the airline now has several women Emiratis among its flightcrew.
Source: Flight International
