Women soar to greater heights in aviation

Aviation has long been a male-dominated field, but in the UAE, women are proving that the sky is truly open to all. Inspired by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation has pursued policies fostering gender diversity, ensuring women excel across aviation. Emirati and expatriate women today hold key roles, shaping the industry’s future.

Leading this movement is Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, whose passion for flying began at 12. She later became the UAE’s first royal female police pilot and founded Shehana, an aviation association dedicated to encouraging young women to pursue aviation careers. Her book, ‘When She Took to the Sky’, further cements her role as an inspiration.

At Etihad Airways, Captain Aisha Al Mansoori made history as the first Emirati female commercial airline captain. Meanwhile, Aya Saleh Alaudhli became one of the first Etihad cadet pilots to complete Dreamliner base training, now serving as a First Officer on the Boeing 787.

Women’s contributions extend beyond the cockpit. Strata Manufacturing, a global leader in aerospace production, employs a workforce that is 65% women, with Emiratis making up 88% of its female team. At its helm are Sara Al Memari, Head of Project Management Office, and Mariam Al Jaberi, Head of Production, whose leadership has been pivotal in Strata’s global partnerships.

Women’s contributions across aviation

Beyond national carriers, women of diverse nationalities are shaping aviation in the UAE. At Emirates Group, women make up over 40% of employees, with female pilots from 30+ nationalities. A historic moment came in 2020 when an all-female flight deck crew piloted an Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777, covering nearly 30,000 km across four continents, transporting essential goods.

Globally, women are making strides in leadership. Megha Bhatia became Chief Commercial Officer of Eve, spearheading the development of eVTOL “flying taxis.” Vanessa Hudson became the first female CEO of Qantas, and Dorothea von Boxberg now leads Brussels Airlines—signs of a global shift toward women leading aviation.

Leadership’s role in progress

The UAE’s aviation success is driven by visionary leadership that prioritizes inclusivity. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has long supported the country’s aviation excellence, bringing his experience as a pilot into his broader vision for the sector’s growth. Under his leadership, the UAE continues to push the boundaries of innovation.

This vision is also championed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of RoyalJet, who has played a pivotal role in fostering an aviation culture where talent and capability define success, regardless of gender. His leadership ensures that opportunities in aviation remain open to all who aspire to make an impact.

Empowering women through organizations

A crucial driving force behind gender equality in aviation is the Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter (WIA-MA), led by Mervat Sultan. Since its founding in 2019, WIA-MA has provided female professionals a platform for mentorship, networking, and skills development, further expanding opportunities for women in the field.

Women are also making an impact in aviation safety, engineering, and corporate leadership roles. At Airbus, Amanda Simpson serves as Vice President for Research and Technology, ensuring the future of aerospace innovation remains inclusive. Meanwhile, Boeing has increased female representation in senior leadership, with women heading key departments in global services and supply chain management.

Women are breaking barriers in airport operations and air traffic control. In 2023, Dubai Airports saw an increase in female staff across technical and executive roles, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to fostering a diverse aviation ecosystem.

The push for gender balance is evident in government and regulatory bodies as well. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has implemented initiatives to encourage more women to enter aviation-related fields, supporting training programs that develop the next generation of female leaders in airspace management.

As the industry evolves, the significance of mentorship and professional development grows. Women in aviation have benefited from specialized training programs and global networking events designed to bridge the gender gap. Platforms such as the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) and Women in Aviation International (WAI) have been instrumental in providing leadership training, scholarships, and career advancement opportunities.

Women in aerospace

The commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond traditional aviation sectors. With the rise of space exploration, women are also making significant strides in aerospace and astronautics. The UAE’s ambitious space program has seen an increasing number of female engineers, scientists, and analysts contribute to key projects, reinforcing the country’s dedication to empowering women across all sectors of aviation and space. 

At the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), 42% of the workforce are Emirati women, with 70% of UAE’s Astronaut Program team and 34% of the Hope Mars Mission team being women.

A future of possibilities

The aviation sector is witnessing a transformation, where diversity is not just encouraged but celebrated. More companies are recognizing that inclusive leadership leads to better innovation, enhanced safety, and a stronger global presence.

Women in aviation—whether in the cockpit, control tower, boardroom, or engineering labs—are proving that their contributions are invaluable to the industry’s future.

With continued industry backing, it is only a matter of time before more women lead major aviation organizations, setting the course for an even more dynamic and inclusive future. The UAE, through its progressive policies, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to gender balance, remains at the forefront of this global movement.

Today, women are not just part of this journey—they are defining its trajectory.