A milestone for Emirati ambition: Etihad Airways’ Captain Huda Al Musallami becomes the first Emirati woman training captain in the UAE

Etihad Airways has announced that Captain Huda Al Musallami has become the first Emirati woman to qualify as a training captain in the United Arab Emirates, a milestone revealed during Emirati Women's Day celebrations. Captain Huda, who joined the aviation industry in 2003 and Etihad Airways in 2014, advanced from First Officer to Captain in 2023 and qualified as a Type Rating Instructor in 2026. She holds a current type rating on the Boeing 787 and has logged more than 10,000 flying hours after operating the Airbus A330, A340 and Boeing 777.

“Being the first means stepping forward before there is a path to follow. 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,” Captain Huda Al Musallami said. “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.”

Captain Huda’s elevation to training captain places her in a role responsible for preparing and qualifying the airline’s pilots “to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.” In the initial months of her new assignment she has trained pilots from different nationalities and experience levels. Etihad frames her appointment as both a professional achievement and a national duty, underlining the carrier’s stated commitment to developing Emirati talent across operational and leadership roles.

Career milestones and professional credentials

• Entered the aviation industry in 2003 and joined Etihad Airways in 2014.
• Promoted from First Officer to Captain in 2023.
• Qualified as a Type Rating Instructor in 2026 and holds a Boeing 787 type rating.
• Accumulated more than 10,000 flying hours; previous experience on A330, A340 and B777 aircraft.
• Holds a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management and a Master's degree in Business Management and Information Systems.

Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, commented on the significance of the appointment: “At Etihad, we give flight to Emirati ambition. Captain Huda's milestone is a powerful expression of what becomes possible when talent, determination and opportunity come together. By reaching a new height for Emirati women in aviation, she has widened the horizon for those who come after her.”

The appointment sits alongside broader workforce statistics cited by the airline: Emirati women reportedly represent 75% of all UAE nationals in Etihad’s workforce, contributing across the business from the flight deck to the boardroom. The carrier also highlighted a short film documenting Captain Huda’s journey, made available for editorial use, and provided a media contact for further details at dutymediaofficer@etihad.ae.

Outlook

As a training captain, Captain Huda will directly influence pilot standards and the composition of future flight crews, reinforcing Etihad’s stated aim to elevate national talent to senior technical roles. Her progression from operational pilot to Type Rating Instructor within Etihad underscores a pathway for other Emirati women pursuing aviation careers. With more pilots passing through her training programmes, the airline expects the appointment to serve as a catalyst for further Emirati participation in technical and leadership positions across the sector.