Etihad Airways Celebrates Two Decades Of Emirati Women's Achievements In Aviation

Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, marked its 20th anniversary on Emirati Women's Day by celebrating its efforts to promote Emirati women in aviation. The airline revealed that nearly half of its UAE national workforce consists of Emirati women, showcasing its dedication to nurturing local talent.

Since its inception, Etihad has focused on empowering Emirati women and enhancing the UAE workforce. Significant milestones include the establishment of the Global Business Service Solutions revenue accounting centre in Al Ain in 2016 and the launch of an all-female call centre in Al Ain in 2011. These initiatives highlight Etihad’s commitment to developing female talent through essential training and development opportunities.

Over the past two decades, Etihad has built a reputation for fostering Emirati talent through various programmes. These include the Etihad Cadet Pilot Programme, Graduate Manager Programme, and specialised training for technicians and engineers. Such initiatives have contributed to a skilled and diverse workforce of Emirati women.

This focus on development has led to strong representation of Emirati women across different roles within the airline. They serve as pilots, cabin crew, aircraft technicians, engineers, medical doctors, trainers, and lawyers. Additionally, many have excelled in core business roles and leadership positions.

Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, stated: "Reflecting on our 20-year journey, we are proud to have attracted ambitious women whose dedication has been pivotal in positioning our national airline as a global leader. Emirati women have excelled in operational roles, leadership positions, and as outstation managers around the world. Their contributions extend beyond their professional roles, inspiring both the UAE and the global aviation community. Today, we celebrate their resilience, their drive for change, and their role in shaping the future of our airline, the aviation industry, and the UAE."

Commitment to Local Talent

The airline's commitment is evident through its various programmes aimed at equipping Emirati professionals with new skills. These initiatives ensure that local talent is continuously developed and integrated into different facets of the aviation sector.

Etihad’s efforts have resulted in a significant presence of Emirati women not only in operational roles but also in leadership positions globally. This demonstrates their capability and dedication to contributing positively to both the airline and the broader aviation industry.

The celebration on Emirati Women's Day underscores Etihad Airways' ongoing commitment to gender equality within its workforce. By providing numerous opportunities for growth and development, Etihad continues to support the advancement of Emirati women in aviation.

The achievements highlighted by Etihad Airways reflect a broader trend within the UAE towards empowering women across various sectors. This progress is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and dynamic workforce that can drive future growth.

The success stories from Etihad serve as an inspiration not only within the UAE but also globally. They showcase how targeted initiatives can lead to substantial improvements in gender representation within traditionally male-dominated industries like aviation.

As Etihad Airways celebrates these milestones on its 20th anniversary during Emirati Women's Day, it reaffirms its dedication to promoting gender equality and supporting local talent within the aviation sector.

With inputs from WAM