December 7th marks International Aviation Day! So, we’re honoring and applauding Arab women pilots who have overcome all of the barriers that societies have created. They surmounted these obstacles to pursue their aspirations and enter the aviation sector, setting an example and inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps and explore the sky!
Those women are an inspiration to many young girls in the region, and they are living proof that the sky was not created simply for men to explore, but also for women to master!
Following in the footsteps of Amelia Earhart, these Arab women have mastered the art of flying planes and travelling around the world. The moment has arrived to honor their accomplishments and experiences in this profession!
1. Nevin Darwish (Egypt)
Our very own Egyptian Nevin Darwish became the first Arab female to fly the Airbus 380, which is the largest passenger plane! This was a huge step for a respected airline like Emirates to begin employing female pilots, who now account for 44% of its workforce.
2. Aisha Al Mansouri (UAE)
Aisha al Mansouri, the first Emirati woman to fly an A380, is now a senior first officer. Despite being in a class of over 500 males, Aisha was able to achieve her goal and enter her preferred field. She even has a sister who is a fighter pilot!
3. Mariam Al Mansouri (UAE)
Aisha’s sister, Major Mariam Al Mansouri, was the UAE’s first female jet pilot. She was the first woman to join the UAE’s Air Force school in 2007 in the year when women were allowed to join. She now pilots an F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Aisha is grateful for her sister, who encouraged her to pursue her aspirations and inspired her to complete her adventure!
4. Hanadi Al Hindi (Saudi Arabia)
Back in 2005, Hanadi Al Hindi became the first Saudi woman to enter the field and obtain a commercial pilot’s license! She’s also flown Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal in his private plane! In 2014, she was finally permitted to fly in her own country when the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) granted her a license to fly in Saudi Arabia.
5) Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum (UAE)
Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum became the first member of the Al Maktoum family to fly a commercial airliner. Sheikah Mozah passed the commercial test in April 2016, but it was not until 2017 that she helped fly an Emirates plane for the first time.
6) Alia Al Muhairi (UAE)
Alia Al Muhair was on board with Captain Nevin Darwish, the Emirates A380’s first officer and the first Emirati woman to fly the plane.
