Emirati cadet pilots find a place in aviation book

Etihad Airways' first female Emirati cadet pilots have their place in aviation history confirmed following their inclusion in a British book about the world's greatest women aviators.

The 100 Greatest Women in Aviation, launched at the Farnborough International Airshow this month, marks a century since the first women took to the skies. Etihad cadet pilots, Salma Mohammed Al Balushi from Al Ain and Aisha Hassan Salim Al Mansoori from Khor Fakkan, are heralded in the book as 'the female aviators of the future' who are 'making their name in flying' and were guests of honour at the launch. Liz Moscrop, author of the book, said: "This book offers readers a guide from the first female pilot through to aspiring present day pioneers such as Salma and Aisha from Etihad Airways' cadet pilot programme. These two young Emirati women have made history for themselves by becoming Etihad's first female cadet pilots and we wish them all the very best as we enter the second century of women in flight."

Salma and Aisha began their initial flight training at the Al Ain-based Horizon International Flight Academy in September 2007 and are on course to graduate in April 2009.

Salma said: "It was already a great achievement to join Etihad as one of its first female Emirati cadet pilots, but to gain global recognition like this will stay with me for ever."

Aisha said: "My inclusion in this book is a great inspiration and I look forward to flying the flag for female Emirati pilots across the world with Etihad."

James Hogan, airline's CEO, said: "Everyone at Etihad is proud that Salma and Aisha were written about in such glowing terms."