At 33, Aisha Al Mansoori made history by becoming the first Emirati woman to captain the world’s largest passenger airliner belonging to Etihad Airways.
Al Mansoori’s journey from a cadet in training to the primary pilot of the aircraft was demanding but was well worth the time as she now represents a positive role model for women throughout the MENA region. The 33-year-old Emirati has been a pilot for Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, since she initially began working for the company in 2007. Since then, Al Mansoori has advanced through the ranks and accrued the flying time to become a Senior First Officer. Al Mansouri worked as a second officer on the A320 before graduating to the A330 as a first officer. She then applied to board the A380 and become senior first officer. Al Mansoori finally received her well-deserved promotion to captain after 15 rigorous years with the airline. Last Tuesday’s crew saw Al Mansoori honored with four stripes on her uniform, a symbol of her new position. She is the first woman from the UAE to fly the super-jumbo Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger jet.
It’s interesting to note that Al Mansoori isn’t the only member of her family with lofty ambition. As the first female fighter pilot in the UAE, her sister Major Mariam Al Mansoori has also made an impression on her industry. As a result, Al Mansoori was given opportunities to be exposed to the aviation industry at a young age. In high school, Al Mansoori reportedly went to an air show with her sister; the event served as the beginning of her career in aviation.
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 be the first of many, and Etihad looks forward to welcoming more female pilots to the rank of captain in the future.”
What will happen next for the accomplished Emirati? Her master’s in airline operation management, which she earned last year, is something she hopes to employ in the future. It made her realize how crucial strategic planning is. “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.”
Al Mansoori will begin her regular flying duties at Etihad on August 28, which also is Emirati Women’s Day.
