Etihad Airways has reached a landmark moment in the UAE’s aviation history with Captain Huda Al Musallami becoming the nation’s first Emirati woman pilot instructor. This achievement marks a significant transition in her career, moving from the cockpit to the training environment where she will now qualify the next generation of aviators.
Al Musallami’s professional journey began in 2003, leading to her joining Etihad Airways in 2014. She steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as a co-pilot before being promoted to Captain in 2023. By 2026, she secured her certification as a pilot instructor. Her extensive flight experience spans over 10,000 hours, with qualifications on the Boeing 787, Boeing 777, and the Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft.
Beyond her flight credentials, Al Musallami holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Information Systems. In her current capacity as a training Captain, she is tasked with mentoring pilots at various career stages. During her initial months in this role, she has already provided instruction to a diverse group of pilots with varying experience levels, viewing the position as both a professional milestone and a national duty to share her expertise.
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief Human Resources, Government and Organisational Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, praised the achievement as a testament to the power of talent, determination, and opportunity. “At Etihad Airways, we fly the ambitions of our beloved nation high, and Captain Huda’s achievement is the best example of what talent creates when combined with determination and opportunity,” Bastaki stated. She further noted that Al Musallami’s success aligns with the UAE leadership’s vision of empowering women to lead and innovate across all sectors.
The airline highlighted that Emirati women now represent 75 per cent of the Emirati workforce at Etihad, serving in roles ranging from cockpit operations to senior executive decision-making. As the UAE bolsters its status as a global aviation hub, the carrier remains dedicated to fostering local talent in flying, engineering, and other critical operational fields to secure the future of the industry. The report also notes that al Musallami’s achievement represents another significant step in the growing role of Emirati women in the aviation sector and reflects the UAE’s efforts to create opportunities for women to pursue leadership and specialised careers across the industry. The report also notes that today, Al Musallami is certified to fly the Boeing 787 and has accumulated more than 10,000 flight hours.