From the Cockpit to the Boardroom: Emirati Women Making Their Mark at Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Every day, Emirati women continue to prove themselves as a driving force in the aviation industry. On Emirati Women’s Day, Etihad Airways proudly celebrates the remarkable success stories and outstanding achievements of its female workforce across all areas of the business. From the cockpit to fleet engineering and maintenance, and from overseas stations to senior leadership roles, Emirati women are making a powerful impact that reflects their determination and underlines the airline’s firm commitment to fostering their growth and success.

Today, women represent 48% of Etihad’s UAE National workforce, a figure that demonstrates the pivotal role Emirati women play in advancing the organisation.

Emirati Women in the Cockpit: Ambition Takes Flight

From operating wide-body aircraft on intercontinental routes to narrow-body aircraft on regional journeys, female pilots are flying Etihad’s fleet from Abu Dhabi to destinations across the globe, giving flight to ambition.

Driven by its strong belief in the role of its UAE national talent, Etihad invests in its cadet pilot training programmes, equipping Emiratis with the skills to shape the future of aviation. In a field traditionally dominated by men, Emirati women are excelling in roles from cadets to Captains. Today, one in nine of Etihad’s cadet pilots is an Emirati woman, a ratio that continues to rise as the programme grows.

Engineering Excellence with an Emirati Touch

In engineering and maintenance, Emirati women have shown that precision and discipline know no boundaries. From aircraft hangars to engine workshops, they work alongside their peers to ensure Etihad’s fleet is maintained to the highest global standards.

From cabin supervisors to licensed engineers certified on Boeing 787s and Airbus A320s and A380s, Emirati women are excelling in technical and supervisory roles. Many begin as trainees in advanced engineering programmes before progressing to leadership positions within Etihad’s engineering divisions.

Ambassadors Abroad

From Europe to the Gulf, Emirati women shine at Etihad Airways’ global stations, serving as the airline’s ambassadors to millions of travellers from diverse cultures. Beginning as trainees, they have risen through the ranks to become country managers and station heads across complex and competitive markets. Their responsibilities span operational oversight, passenger flow management, leading multicultural teams, representing Etihad to authorities and partners, and handling global situations - all while showcasing the UAE’s values of excellence, generosity, and tolerance wherever Etihad aircraft land.

From Flying Aircraft to Shaping Strategy

Beyond the skies, Emirati women at Etihad are also shaping the airline’s future in strategic and corporate roles across every level of the organisation. From graduates of the Bidayati programme to rising talent in critical divisions such as strategy, corporate and government affairs, HR, sustainability, and digital transformation, their contributions extend right through to the executive level where policies and strategies are defined. Today, Emirati women account for 77% of Etihad’s UAE National talent in corporate functions, a testament to their growing influence.

Promotions that Reflect Ambition

In a move that demonstrates confidence in national talent, Etihad recently promoted three Emirati women to senior leadership positions: Aysha Al Kaabi, Fatma Al Sahlawi Al Ali, and Noora Al Sharhan.

• Aysha Al Kaabi, now Vice President of Commercial Enablement & Engagement, joined Etihad in 2014 as a graduate trainee and rose through pivotal roles in revenue management and pricing. In 2024, she became the airline’s first female Emirati Director of Revenue and its youngest Director at 33. Today she leads commercial enablement and engagement, overseeing data analytics, innovation, pricing strategy and customer programmes including EY Holidays and Abu Dhabi Stopover.
• Fatma Al Sahlawi Al Ali, now Director of HR Business Partnering, brings nearly 15 years of airline industry experience. Since joining Etihad in 2012, she has led HR functions across Airport Services, Engineering, Commercial, IT and Finance, and previously headed UAE National Development. She has launched key leadership initiatives, including mentorship and executive coaching, and now oversees workforce planning, engagement and organisational development.
• Noora Al Sharhan, Head of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), brings over 13 years of aviation expertise. She drives Etihad’s ESG strategy and represents the UAE in forums with the GCAA, IATA and ICAO. Internationally recognised through the U.S. State Department’s IVLP on Climate Change and McKinsey’s Emerging Leaders programme.

Etihad’s Vision: Leading and Empowering

On this occasion, Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer of Etihad Airways, said:
“On Emirati Women’s Day, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the contributions of Emirati women from Etihad’s family, who play a vital role in the success of our national airline. This year’s theme, ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years,’ reflects five decades of resilience and progress made possible by the vision of our wise leadership and the pioneering spirit of the women who came before us. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the UAE’s General Women’s Union, founded by the Mother of the Nation, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the role of Emirati women is clearer than ever, and nowhere is this more evident than in aviation, where they continue to excel at every level, from the cockpit to the boardroom."

She added: "We remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in Emirati women, providing them with opportunities and experiences that strengthen their skills and empower them to lead the future of aviation. They are true pioneers, giving flight to ambition today and inspiring the next generation of Emirati women to soar even higher.”

Nurturing National Talent

Etihad Airways continues to expand opportunities for Emirati nationals. Earlier this year, the airline launched a bold strategy to nurture and attract top Emirati talent across all key functions, from pilots and engineers to airport operations and corporate leadership roles, including graduate programmes. Within this framework, Emirati women are fully supported in pursuing every career path aligned with their ambitions, ensuring they remain powerful partners in shaping the future of aviation.