Huda Al Musallami Becomes UAE's First Woman Training Captain

Etihad Airways Captain Huda Al Musallami has made history as the first Emirati woman to qualify as a training captain in the UAE. Her achievement marks a significant milestone for women in the country’s aviation industry.

In her new role, Huda will be responsible for training and assessing pilots, ensuring they meet Etihad Airways’ safety and professional standards. The announcement coincides with the celebration of Emirati Women’s Day.

Huda began her aviation career in 2003 and joined Etihad Airways in 2014. Over the years, she progressed from First Officer to Captain, achieving the rank of Captain in 2023.

She further qualified as a Type Rating Instructor in 2026 and now holds a type rating on the Boeing 787. With more than 10,000 flying hours, her journey reflects over two decades of experience and progress in aviation.

Key Highlights:

• Huda becomes the first Emirati woman to qualify as a training captain in the UAE
• With over 10,000 flying hours, she will train and assess the next generation of pilots at Etihad Airways
• Her achievement highlights Etihad’s efforts to support and advance Emirati women across aviation and leadership roles

During her career, she has flown the Airbus A330, A340 and Boeing 777, in addition to her current Boeing 787 rating. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management and a Master's degree in Business Management and Information Systems. For Huda, becoming the first Emirati woman in the role is about more than achieving a personal career milestone.

“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 milestone reflected the UAE's approach to encouraging ambition and leadership.

“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 raise, excel and go even further,” Huda said.

Huda is now working with new recruits to prepare and test them as the next generation of pilots. In the first months of her job, she has been training pilots from various countries and experience levels, Etihad said.

Huda said the training role was her professional responsibility and a national obligation, each pilot she trained was another chance for her to become a path for others to follow.

Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer of Etihad Airways, said that Huda's success is a testament to what could be achieved when talent, determination and opportunity converged.

“At Etihad, we give flight to Emirati ambition,” Dr Nadia said.

“By reaching a new height for Emirati women in aviation, she has widened the horizon for those who come after her.”

“Her success reflects the UAE leadership's vision to empower Emirati women to pioneer and make their mark, and our commitment to advancing national talent to the highest levels of the industry worldwide,” she said.

Etihad said Huda's achievement forms part of a wider group of Emirati women developing careers across the airline. According to the airline, Emirati women represent 75 per cent of all UAE nationals in its workforce, working across areas ranging from the flight deck to senior leadership. Etihad said it was continuing to invest in Emirati women across different stages of their careers, from emerging talent to senior leaders.