Etihad Airways celebrates Emirati women in aviation industry

On Emirati Women's Day, Etihad Airways, the UAE's national carrier, celebrated its 20th anniversary by highlighting its achievements in promoting Emirati women within the aviation sector.

The airline reported that nearly half of its UAE national workforce comprises Emirati women, demonstrating its commitment to developing local talent.

Over the past 20 years, Etihad has built a reputation for nurturing Emirati talent through programmes that engage and equip Emirati professionals with new skills. Key initiatives include the Etihad Cadet Pilot Programme, Graduate Manager Programme, and specialised training for technicians and engineers, contributing to a skilled and diverse workforce of Emirati women.

This has resulted in strong representation of Emirati women across various roles, including pilots, cabin crew, aircraft technicians, and engineers, as well as other professions such as medical doctors, trainers, and lawyers. Emirati women have also excelled in core business roles and leadership positions.

Since its inception, Etihad has implemented innovative strategies to empower Emirati women and strengthen the UAE workforce. Notable milestones include establishing the Global Business Service Solutions revenue accounting centre in Al Ain in 2016 and launching its all-female Al Ain call centre in 2011. These initiatives demonstrate Etihad’s commitment to developing female talent in aviation by providing essential training and development opportunities.

Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, said, "Reflecting on our 20-year journey, we are proud to have attracted ambitious women whose dedication has been pivotal in positioning our national airline as a global leader. Emirati women have excelled in operational roles, leadership positions, and as outstation managers around the world. Their contributions extend beyond their professional roles, inspiring both the UAE and the global aviation community. Today, we celebrate their resilience, their drive for change, and their role in shaping the future of our airline, the aviation industry, and the UAE.”]]>

WAM