Airport Show 2016 to support 'Arab Women in Aviation'

Airport Show, in partnership with Women in Aviation International and Middle East chapters, will launch the first ever General Assembly and student career orientation initiative for Arab Women in Aviation at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 9-11, 2016. 

The ‘Arab Women in Aviation’ feature at the show is being supported by key industry stakeholders, including Strata Manufacturing, a Mubadala company, as the event's exclusive General Assembly Sponsor and Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company and leading global supporter of educational enrichment and support programs that promote academic success, independence and economic sustainability. 

Badr al Olama, the CEO of Strata manufacturing said: "Strata is honoured to sponsor the Arab Women in Aviation show, the show is an international platform that highlights Arab women achievements and contributions in the aviation industry. And in line with the UAE's vision and wise leadership to ensure sustainability, Strata aims to contribute to building a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy along with a qualified Emirati workforce. Today, aspiring women play a leading role in Strata, representing 86% of the total Emirati workforce." 

Bernard Dunn, the President of Boeing Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, commented: “Leaders in aviation should continuously and consciously work to attract women and create a working environment that promotes gender diversity.  At Boeing we are proud of our many female leaders. We continue to work with organisations like Women in Aviation to ensure we are doing everything we can to remove gender disparities in this exciting industry”‎ 

In cooperation with Airports Council International, Munich Airport Academy will also award a female from an Arab country at the General Assembly a full-scholarship, worth US 4,500, to attend a one week “Developing a Customer Service Culture at Airports” training at Munich International Airport. The selected candidate will undergo week-long training at the Munich Airport, starting June 27, 2016. The all-inclusive scholarship will provide a valuable opportunity for a real life experience at one of the leading airport academies in the world. 

The last decade has witnessed Emirati women following the lead of their regional counterparts in pursuing careers in the aviation industry.  Many are now looked upon as role models for other women who aspire to make their mark in the aviation sector.

Arab Women in Aviation, which is free to attend, provides the opportunity to get inspired and hear women who are inspiring millions with their success in this sector. 

Daniyal Qureshi, Group exhibition director, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, organisers of Airport Show 2016, said: “Airport Show has emerged as the strongest platform for stakeholders in the aviation industry worldwide.  Enhancing the contribution of Arab women in this sector is among the top priorities for the region’s leadership and in line with this vision, the Airport Show will provide an important platform to support Arab women in aviation.” 

The event  will host inspiring women in the aviation sector including Aysha Al Hamili, First Emirati Female Pilot & UAE’s Permanent Representative of ICAO in Montreal; Alia Al Twal, Governor of the Arabian Section, 99s/Pilot, Royal Jordanian Airlines; Suaad Al Shamsi, Member, Board of Directors UAE Chapter -Women in Aviation International; Hanadi Akariya Al-Hindi, the only female pilot in Saudi Arabia; Eleonora Surina , Head of Flight Safety - Volga Dnepr Group – Russia; Fadimatou Noutchemo Simo, Founder, Young African Aviation Professional Association; Dina Al Beljaflaf, Vice-President UAE Chapter – Women in Aviation International; Farah Al Ansari, Head-Airport Security, Dubai Airports; Gabriele Mahler, CEO & Project Manager – International Women Pilot School; Kristina Tervo, Vice President – Women in Aviation; Mariola Ziolkowski, President of Women in Aviation, International, Chapter Germany, among others. 

Shereen Abed Al Mazroui, engineer, Etihad Airways