Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – October 05, 2021:  Etihad Airways, the national airline of UAE, is marking UAE Civil Aviation Day with a video featuring its young and talented Emirati workforce to support the UAE’s efforts to elevate awareness of the aviation sector. The video consists of various professions in Etihad Aviation Group including pilots, doctors and engineers. 

Today, 89 years ago, a pioneering journey began when the first aircraft carried passengers to the UAE, landing in Sharjah with four passengers on board. Since then, the UAE has commemorated Civil Aviation Day annually on the 5 October. 

Commenting on this occasion, Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Senior Vice President Government International Communications, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Etihad Airways was established in 2003 and has continuously invested in broadening the career opportunities for young Emiratis in the aviation industry. 

Thanks to Etihad’s robust Emiratisation strategy which develops and empowers UAE Nationals, today, Etihad’s Emirati staff play a vital role in our core business and operations. We are proud that more than 60% of the UAE nationals working at Etihad are working in the operating division in core roles as pilots, engineers and the operation leadership.” 

“Our organisation focuses on developing and engaging UAE nationals through specialist programmes and established forums such as the Etihad Youth Council. We have developed initiatives to engage younger employees in the decision-making process and the future of the company” Ahmed added. 

In the video, Sara Al Naqbi, Etihad’s Senior First Officer, who joined the airline’s cadet pilot programme in 2011, expressed her passion for the industry and shared her optimism about the future of aviation in the UAE. The interview also features Senior First Officer, Majed Al Mazroui, Engineer Humaid Saleh, Engineer Mohammed Jaffar and Dr Gadah Al Hadrami.