Etihad Airways Marks 20th Anniversary By Honoring Emirati Women's Contributions In Aviation

Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, celebrated its 20th anniversary on Emirati Women's Day by showcasing its efforts to promote Emirati women in aviation.

The airline announced Wednesday that nearly half of its UAE national workforce is made up of Emirati women, highlighting its dedication to nurturing local talent.

"Reflecting on our 20-year journey, we are proud to have attracted ambitious women whose dedication has been pivotal in positioning our national airline as a global leader," Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer Dr. Nadia Bastaki was quoted as saying by WAM.

"Emirati women have excelled in operational roles, leadership positions, and as outstation managers around the world. Their contributions extend beyond their professional roles, inspiring both the UAE and the global aviation community," she added.

"Today, we celebrate their resilience, their drive for change, and their role in shaping the future of our airline, the aviation industry, and the UAE," she further said.

Etihad is known for supporting Emirati talent through programs that help Emirati professionals learn new skills. Its key initiatives include the Etihad Cadet Pilot Program, Graduate Manager Program, and specialized training for technicians and engineers, all of which have helped build a skilled and diverse workforce of Emirati women.

This has led to a strong representation of Emirati women in various roles at Etihad, including pilots, cabin crew, aircraft technicians, and engineers, as well as professionals like medical doctors, trainers, and lawyers. Emirati women have also succeeded in key business roles and leadership positions.

Since its establishment, Etihad has adopted innovative strategies to empower Emirati women and strengthen the UAE workforce. These major achievements include setting up the Global Business Service Solutions revenue accounting center in Al Ain in 2016 and launching an all-female call center in Al Ain in 2011.

These efforts show Etihad's commitment to developing female talent in aviation by offering vital training and development opportunities.

Earlier this week, the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund (ADPF) announced a 41% increase in the number of Emirati women registered with the Fund from both the government and private sectors in Abu Dhabi up until the first half of 2024.