Etihad Airways marked Emirati Women's Day with a special event that doubled as a milestone celebration: the UAE's flag carrier turned 20 years old in 2024. The activities underscored the airline's commitment to local talent development and workplace diversity, making the occasion a fitting tribute to the Emirati women who have shaped Etihad since its founding.
Emirati Women Make Up 46% of UAE National Employees
Etihad has built a deliberate record of developing a skilled Emirati workforce, with particular emphasis on women in operational roles. Today, 46% of the airline's UAE national employees are Emirati women — a figure that spans a wide range of disciplines and seniority levels.
These women serve as pilots, cabin crew members, aircraft technicians, engineers, medical doctors, trainers, and lawyers. Many hold outstation manager roles at locations around the world, bringing Emirati leadership to Etihad's global network.
Two Decades of Training and Career Development
Over its 20-year history, Etihad has channeled Emirati women into aviation careers through structured, dedicated programs. The Etihad Cadet Pilot Programme has produced Emirati female commercial pilots — including Aisha Al Mansoori, who became the first Emirati female captain at a commercial airline after joining the cadet program in 2007. The Graduate Manager Programme and specialist training tracks for technicians and engineers have similarly built a strong pipeline of Emirati aviation professionals.
Two community-focused milestones capture the depth of this commitment. In May 2011, Etihad launched an all-female call center in Al Ain. In August 2016, it established the Global Business Service Solutions (GBSS) revenue accounting center, also in Al Ain — creating skilled employment in the UAE's interior region.
Dr. Nadia Bastaki: Emirati Women Are Role Models for Global Aviation
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, spoke to Gulf News about the significance of Emirati Women's Day for the airline.
"Today, ladies are highly spirited, innovative, and reclaiming their inherent worth in both contributing to the Etihad Airways profile, the aviation industry and the future," she said.
Dr. Bastaki emphasized that Emirati women at Etihad are not only excelling in operational and leadership roles — they are role models for the UAE and for the global aviation industry as a whole.
A 20-Year Track Record of Diversity
As Etihad enters its third decade, the airline's record on Emirati women in aviation stands as one of its most tangible achievements. Nearly half of its UAE national workforce being Emirati women reflects a long-term investment in local talent that spans training, career development, and leadership pathways.
Emirati Women's Day, observed each August 28, provides an annual moment to recognize these contributions — and for Etihad, the 20th anniversary made the 2024 celebration a particularly significant one.
