Captain Huda Al Musallami to train and qualify pilots at Etihad Airways.
Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways Captain Huda Al Musallami has made history as the UAE’s first Emirati woman to qualify as a training captain, marking a significant milestone for women in the country’s aviation industry.
The announcement, made to coincide with Emirati Women’s Day, noted that Al Musallami will now train and qualify pilots in line with Etihad Airways’ standards of safety and professionalism.
Her appointment follows more than two decades in aviation, during which she advanced from First Officer to Captain before moving into pilot training.
From pilot to trainer
Al Musallami began her aviation career in 2003 and joined Etihad Airways in 2014. She was promoted to Captain in 2023 and qualified as a Type Rating Instructor in 2026. She currently holds a type rating for the Boeing 787 and has logged more than 10,000 flight hours.
Over the course of her career, she has flown several aircraft types, including the Airbus A330 and A340 and Boeing 777, before moving to the Boeing 787.
She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and a Master’s degree in Business Management and Information Systems.
‘Not the last’
For Al Musallami, becoming the UAE’s first Emirati woman to take on the role represents more than a personal career achievement.
“Being the first means stepping forward before there is a path to follow,” she said.
“When there is no map, you learn to navigate with purpose, to turn challenges into strength, and to keep moving towards what once seemed beyond reach.”
She said the achievement reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering ambition, leadership and opportunities for women.
“For me, being first was never about the title. It is about making sure I am not the last, and opening the way for more Emirati women to rise, excel and go even further,” Al Musallami said.
Training the next generation of pilots
In her new role, Al Musallami will train and qualify the next generation of pilots, helping prepare them to meet Etihad Airways’ rigorous standards.
Etihad said that in the early months of her new role, Al Musallami has trained pilots from a range of nationalities and with different levels of experience.
She described becoming a training captain as both a professional responsibility and a national duty, saying each pilot she trains offers another opportunity to turn her journey into a path for others to follow.
Etihad’s focus
Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, said Al Musallami’s achievement showed what can be achieved when talent, determination and opportunity come together.
“At Etihad, we give flight to Emirati ambition,” Bastaki said.
“By reaching a new milestone for Emirati women in aviation, she has broadened the horizon for those who follow in her footsteps.”
Bastaki said Al Musallami would now play a key role in training pilots who will help shape the future of the aviation industry.
“Her success reflects the UAE leadership’s vision of empowering Emirati women to break new ground and make their mark, while also highlighting our commitment to developing national talent to the highest levels of the global aviation industry,” she said.
Etihad said Al Musallami’s achievement is part of a broader group of Emirati women building successful careers across the airline.
According to Etihad, Emirati women account for 75 per cent of UAE nationals within its workforce, holding positions across the airline, from flight deck roles to senior leadership.
The airline said it continues to invest in the development of Emirati women throughout their careers, supporting them from emerging talent to senior leadership positions.
