Huda Musallami Makes History as UAE's 1st Woman Training Captain

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Friday, 28 August 2026

Etihad Airways Captain Huda Al Musallami has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Emirati woman to qualify as a training captain in the UAE. Her achievement represents a major step forward for women in the aviation sector.

As a training captain, Huda will take on the responsibility of training and evaluating pilots while ensuring they meet Etihad Airways’ high standards of safety and professionalism. The announcement was made in connection with Emirati Women’s Day.

Huda began her journey in aviation in 2003 and joined Etihad Airways in 2014. She steadily advanced through the ranks, moving from First Officer to Captain and reaching the position of Captain in 2023.

In 2026, she qualified as a Type Rating Instructor and currently holds a type rating on the Boeing 787. With over 10,000 flying hours and more than 20 years of aviation experience, Huda’s journey reflects her long-standing contribution to the industry.

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 that Huda's success is part of a larger pool of Emirati women carving out careers throughout the airline. The airline says Emirati women make up 75 per cent of all UAE nationals, from flying on the flight deck to being in senior leadership roles.

Etihad indicated it was continuing to invest in Emirati women at various levels of their careers, including those who have just begun in their profession and those who have advanced to senior leadership roles.