ABOUT
Salma AlBaloushi first Emirati female pilot in Etihad Airways.
Known as ‘the Amelia Earhart of the Middle East’, Al Baloushi is the first Emirati female to rise to the rank of first officer at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways. At just 24 years old, her achievement earned her an entry and a Mention as one of the 00 Most Powerful Arab Women 2012 ranked number 66, a book looking at women’s contribution to the growing sector.
Salma AlBaloushi a wife of an aircraft engineer and Mother of two angels joined Etihad Airways in 2007 as part of the airline’s second group of cadet pilots. She completed her initial training at the Horizon International Flight Academy in Al Ain, studying the basics of flying, navigation and various associated technical subjects. After more than two years of training, she received her wings in 2009 and was promoted to Second Officer. Salma’s journey did not end here. She has completed further ground school technical and aircraft systems training, spent time in Etihad’s A320 full-flight simulator and trained in the development of non-technical skills applicable to working in a multi-crew environment. Finally, after a grueling 18 months, she completed her final checks and was ranked as a qualified First Officer on Airbus 320 in 2011 graduating to the rank of First Officer alongside nine male colleagues.
AlBaloushi also wants to be a role model for her contemporaries: “In five to ten years I want to see myself as a very successful pilot in Etihad Airways and by doing so set an example for the upcoming generations and help them become active members in the community.”
Proud to see my story in schools, collages and universities books as a role model for young girls.