ABU DHABI: Huda Salem Al Mussalami flew to a height of 36,000 feet, overcoming all her challenges and difficulties and presenting an inspiring model of persistence to Emirati women, especially in the aviation sector.

Al Mussalami, who works for Etihad Airways as a senior pilot assistant, entered the aviation industry in 2004, after passing her academic and scientific studies with excellence. She began by flying Airbus 330 and 340 aircraft, before piloting Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft.

Huda Salem Al Mussalami flew to a height of 36,000 feet, overcoming all her challenges. WAM

In an interview with the media, she said that due to her passion for flying and the wise leadership’s support for Emirati women, she achieved her dreams and overcame her challenges.

She added that the development and openness witnessed by the UAE and its empowerment of women, as well as the support for women from H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), have helped her realise her ambitions.

Al Mussalami flew a flight trainer with WAM to highlight the UAE’s beautiful sites and salute the UAE flag.

She stressed that take-offs and landings are the two hardest techniques in aviation, while noting that landings require giving accurate commands to landing controllers.

She also offered a message to Emirati women, stating, "I hope that all Emirati women will achieve their ambitions without hesitation, as they can attain the will and capacities to be present in all areas of the world, especially in professions that use to be only for men."

Al Mussalami is looking forward to contributing to and helping her female colleagues in the aviation industry, in light of the continuous support of Etihad Airways.

WAM