admin Etihad Airways has marked a new milestone in the UAE’s aviation journey with Captain Huda Al Musallami becoming the country’s first Emirati woman pilot instructor, taking her career from the cockpit to training and qualifying the next generation of pilots.
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.
Her journey in aviation began in 2003, and she joined Etihad Airways in 2014. Over the years, she progressed through the ranks from co-pilot to Captain, reaching the position in 2023. In 2026, she achieved another career milestone by qualifying as a certified pilot instructor.
Huda Al Musallami poses for a photograph.
Today, Al Musallami is certified to fly the Boeing 787 and has accumulated more than 10,000 flight hours. Her extensive experience also includes flying Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft, as well as the Boeing 777.
Beyond her extensive operational experience, Al Musallami has pursued academic qualifications in aviation and business. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Information Systems.
In her new role as a training Captain, Al Musallami is responsible for helping prepare and qualify pilots at different stages of their careers. During the first months of taking on her new responsibilities, she trained pilots of different nationalities and with varying levels of experience.
Al Musallami regards her new role not only as a professional responsibility but also as a national duty, allowing her to pass on the knowledge and experience accumulated throughout more than two decades in aviation.
Huda Al Musallami and other pilots share a light moment.
Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief Human Resources, Government and Organisational Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, said Al Musallami’s achievement demonstrated what could be achieved when talent, determination and opportunity came together.
“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 said.
She added that Al Musallami was opening new pathways in aviation for more Emirati women while contributing to the development of pilots who would shape the future of the national carrier.
Huda Al Musallami poses for a photograph.
Bastaki said Al Musallami’s success was also an extension of the UAE leadership’s vision of empowering women to become pioneers and make their mark across different fields.
Emirati women currently account for 75 per cent of Emirati citizens working at Etihad Airways, contributing across administrative and operational functions, from cockpit roles to senior decision-making positions.
As the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub, Etihad Airways said it remains committed to investing in Emirati talent and creating opportunities for the next generation to contribute to flying, engineering and shaping the future of the aviation sector.
