Etihad Airways. Photo: kamilpetran / Shutterstock.com Etihad Airways has announced a historic milestone for Emirati women in aviation, with Captain Huda Al Musallami becoming the first Emirati woman to qualify as a training captain in the UAE.
The achievement, announced during celebrations for Emirati Women's Day, marks a new step in Captain Huda's more than two-decade aviation career and puts her in a position to train and qualify the next generation of pilots.
Captain Huda began her aviation career in 2003 and joined Etihad Airways in 2014. She progressed from First Officer to Captain in 2023, before qualifying as a Type Rating Instructor in 2026.
She currently holds a type rating for the Boeing 787 and has accumulated more than 10,000 flying hours. During her career, she has also flown the Airbus A330, Airbus A340 and Boeing 777.
Beyond her flight experience, Captain Huda holds a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management and a Master's degree in Business Management and Information Systems.
Her new role means she will train and qualify pilots to the highest standards of safety and professionalism. During the first months of her training role, she has worked with pilots from different nationalities and with varying levels of experience.
Captain Huda described becoming the first Emirati woman in the role as an opportunity to create a path for those who follow.
"Being the first was never about the title," she said, emphasizing that her goal is to ensure she is not the last and to create opportunities for more Emirati women to progress in aviation.
As a training captain, Captain Huda will play a direct role in preparing pilots for their careers and maintaining the standards required for commercial aviation.
Etihad said her achievement reflects the airline's wider efforts to develop Emirati talent and create opportunities for women across its workforce.
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, said Captain Huda's milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when talent, determination and opportunity come together.
She added that reaching a new level for Emirati women in aviation allows Captain Huda to help prepare the pilots who will shape the industry's future.
The achievement also comes as Etihad highlights the growing participation of Emirati women throughout its organization.
According to the airline, Emirati women represent 75% of all UAE nationals in its workforce, working across areas ranging from flight operations to senior leadership.
Captain Huda's promotion therefore extends beyond her own career. Her experience as an Emirati woman who progressed from First Officer to Captain and then training instructor provides an example for aspiring pilots considering careers in aviation.
Etihad said it is continuing to invest in Emirati women as part of the UAE's broader aviation ambitions, supporting employees across different stages of their careers.
Captain Huda's achievement comes as the UAE continues to develop its position as a global aviation hub and promote national talent within the industry.
Earlier this year, Emirates reached a similar milestone in its efforts to develop local aviation talent when it promoted two Emirati women pilots , Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri, to the rank of captain.