Keen to be Green

By Zenifer Khaleel

As the first female aircraft engineer in the UAE, Dr. Eng. Suad Al Shamsi is widely recognised as a pioneer in the aviation industry. After more than eighteen years in the field, Al Shamsi now works as a senior manager and technical advisor for major aviation projects in the UAE.

She qualified as an aircraft engineer in London and returned to UAE to follow her dream of working as an aircraft engineer specialising in landing. She also teaches Aeronautical Engineering at a University in the UAE.

A member of the Emirates Association in the UK and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Al Shamsi is one of the founders of the Women in Aviation organisation’s Middle East chapter. She is also CEO of L2L (learn to live), a consultation company that inspires other women to achieve their dreams and help them along the way. She has received many awards including acknowledgments from by Sheikha Fatima bint Khalid Al Qasimi for her work.

Her present quest is to implement sustainable solutions for the aviation industry. 2023 has been announced as the Year of Sustainability in the UAE and its premium airline Emirates has already set the precedent by testing its first flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

“The main focus right now is aviation sustainability, and we need to learn how to operate while protecting the world with safety, quality and turgidity; involving all the stakeholders like Boeing, Airbus, Microsoft and more,” she says.

Sustainable Solutions
According to Al Shamsi, each stakeholder in the aviation industry has a responsibility in saving the environment and should constantly be on the lookout for different ideas to make aviation more sustainable. This could include reducing the amount of fuel burning, using bio fuel, using plastic onboard etc. While flying short haul, a few changes have been implemented including the breadboard component like 787 Dreamliner becoming became half electrical- half carbon. “Even as a passenger you can offset your routes to take the shortest route possible. We have many projects in the pipeline and looking to educate the people who work in aviation industry and the passengers as well on how to help the environment within the industry,” she says.

As the Senior Project Manager of one of the most prestigious aviation projects in the country, her role entails supporting the clients and the airlines in delivering high quality operations.

Leading with passion
Al Shamsi has often been asked how she defied all odds in a typically male dominated sector. “Everyone knows that I’m passionate about the aviation industry that I am addicted. When I started my career, I took the time to understand each part of the aircraft and each part of the airport so that I wouldn’t be incapable of anything. What I enjoy within my career is helping to grow the opportunity for women in aviation. The best thing about this job is that it’s not a routine job. Every day is an action day where important decisions have to be taken. And as the project grows and the industry grows, you are learning every day. Even though I have 18 years’ experience, I still feel the need to learn more in order to implement more things in the industry,” she says.

One of the major challenges she faces is that in the engineering and construction areas, people are still reluctant to give the power and position to women. “It is a tough environment, and we have to be patient to gain their confidence,” she says. And since it’s a non-routine job, the working hours could be tough and not family friendly. So, some days you work 10 bours and the other days around 16.”

Apart from her busy work schedule and being the mother of two boys Yousuf and Sultan, Al Shamsi runs a consultation company: L2L Learn to Live. The main aim of this company is to help women to progress in their careers and supports the young generation on their path within the aviation industry.

Future plans
Al Shamsi aims to be the first female Arab researcher in the aviation industry. Her advise for youngsters who would like to join this industry is to be prepared for hard work. “As I said before, it is going to be a tough working environment with huge and prestigious projects that are time and efficiency driven. So, you have to understand your strengths and weaknesses and condition yourself mentally before taking up a role as an aircraft engineer or project manager. Do not get into it just for the title. Be prepared to work.”

She ascertains that the future of aviation will definitely be Green as different stakeholders have understood the importance of protecting the environment, especially after Covid. “The sustainability and mobility factors should not remain as just ideas. They should come together and work on a shared vision with the transportation sector. Soon we could be looking at lighter aircrafts or more biofuels which operate with the same efficiency and do not compromise passenger confidence.”