Aviation

Women Leaders in Aviation: Breaking Barriers

9 min read

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Leadership roles in aviation are significantly underrepresented by women. As the Middle East’s aviation sector accelerates into a new era of growth, women are now emerging as key leaders driving innovation, transformation, and inclusion.

In this series, we explore the personal journeys, challenges, and impact of pioneering women in aviation, offering insights into the talent landscape and the future of leadership in the region.

In the Middle East, a region renowned for its deep-rooted history and cultural legacy, women are increasingly stepping into roles of influence and leadership. From the vibrant streets of Dubai to the forward-thinking halls of Riyadh, women leaders are not only participating in the transformation of industries but are actively shaping their future.

Recent statistics highlight an encouraging trend: in Saudi Arabia, the participation of women in the labour force has climbed to 35%, and in the UAE, women make up 55% of the workforce, representing a clear economic shift.

Alongside this societal change is the swift expansion of the aviation industry.

The Middle East has evolved into a worldwide hub for air travel, with its airlines and airports establishing new benchmarks in innovation and service quality.

It is anticipated that the aviation market in this region will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1% by 2033, fuelled by strategic investments and forward-thinking leadership.

Spotlight on Leadership

The first article in our series features the insights of Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi, the first Emirati female aircraft engineer, the first Arab female researcher in aviation science, technology & AI, and technical advisor for many aviation projects in UAE; and Mervat Sultan, President of Women in Aviation, Middle East.

Suaad, alongside a PhD in aviation science, has several degrees in aerospace engineering and an MBA aviation management. She has also received an honorary Doctorate thanks to her contributions to women in leadership.

With over 25 years of aviation industry experience, Mervat is also Co-Founder of Ramject Co and FltCtrl Ltd, and is one of the Middle East’s first female FAA/GCAA-certified flight dispatchers.

Aviation Career Inspiration

From a young age, Suaad was fascinated by airplanes and wanted to understand how they worked and what made them fly. However, when she initially expressed her interest to become an aircraft engineer, many people responded that it wasn’t a common career path for women, especially in this region.

With determination, Suaad pursued her education in the aviation engineering field, overcoming many obstacles in the process and now holds a PhD in aviation science. She believes her drive for problem-solving, technology, and breaking stereotypes retained her motivation to make a difference and pave the way for other women in the industry. 

Mervat’s passion for aviation also began at a young age, driven by a fascination with the industry's ability to connect people, cultures, and economies. After pursuing this career later in life when the circumstances aligned, Mervat says she has never looked back.

The dynamic and constantly evolving nature of aviation can offer a wealth of opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully. 

Challenges Faced in Aviation

The aviation industry has traditionally been male-dominated, and for Suaad, becoming the first female aircraft engineer in the UAE came with significant challenges. One of the biggest hurdles she faced was gaining acceptance and proving that she was just as capable as her male colleagues.

Early in her career, Suaad had to work harder than her peers to demonstrate her technical skills and knowledge. There were moments of doubt, both from others and, at times, from herself. However, through resilience, persistence, and the support of mentors who believed in her, she overcame these obstacles.

Another challenge she encountered was the lack of representation. With few women in leadership roles, it was easy to feel discouraged. That’s why Suaad is now deeply passionate about inspiring and mentoring young women to pursue careers in aviation engineering.

In Mervat’s experience, she has not faced significant challenges or difficulties as a woman in aviation. She views the aviation industry as being similar to any other; governed by processes that require learning, training, and experience to succeed. According to Mervat, many of the perceived challenges stem more from misunderstandings about the opportunities and roles available rather than from actual barriers.

The Future Role of Women in Aviation

Mervat believes that the role of women in aviation is poised for significant growth. With increased awareness, education, and initiatives promoting diversity, she envisions more women stepping into leadership positions and technical roles across the industry. Mervat notes that aviation is increasingly recognising the value of diverse perspectives, and she is confident that this momentum will continue to build over the next decade.

Effective & Supportive Initiatives

Suaad highlights the importance of global initiatives aimed at supporting women in aviation, such as Women in Aviation International (WAI) and the programs led by Sheikha Mozah Bint Marwan Al Maktoum in the UAE. These initiatives play a vital role in raising awareness, providing scholarships, and creating valuable networking opportunities for women in the field.

In the Middle East, Suaad observes that while mentorship programs are growing, they still require further development. She personally mentors young women who aspire to enter the aviation industry and actively encourages others in the field to do the same. For Suaad, connecting emerging talent with experienced professionals is essential for building confidence and offering meaningful guidance.

Mervat believes that educational programs and mentorship initiatives have had a particularly powerful impact on encouraging women in aviation.

These efforts help demystify the industry by providing a clear understanding of the opportunities available and the skills required to succeed. She emphasises that collaborations between governments, companies, and educational institutions are essential for building awareness and inspiring more women to pursue careers in aviation.

 Organisations can support diversity by promoting awareness, providing equal opportunities for education and training, and fostering an inclusive culture. Transparency in hiring practices, mentorship programs, and highlighting the achievements of women in aviation can also help inspire and attract more talent. 

 Women’s Impact in Aviation

One of the most rewarding experiences of Mervat’s career has been founding the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter. Through this initiative, she has witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration and mentorship in empowering women to achieve their potential. Seeing the next generation of women thriving in aviation is a constant reminder of the importance of all efforts. 

 Identifying Talent and Addressing Talent Shortages

Suaad believes that rising stars in the aviation industry are identified through a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, leadership qualities, and a passion for innovation. She notes that companies seek individuals who take initiative, adapt to emerging technologies, and demonstrate strong teamwork.

She points out that young engineers who contribute to safety improvements, operational efficiency, or sustainability initiatives often stand out.

Suaad has witnessed talented individuals rise quickly in their careers due to their dedication and willingness to learn beyond their job descriptions.

Regarding talent shortages, Suaad highlights a growing demand for aircraft engineers, pilots, and aviation technology specialists - particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence in aviation, aircraft maintenance, and sustainable aviation solutions. She emphasises the importance of encouraging more young professionals, especially women, to enter these fields to meet the industry's evolving needs.

Advice for Aspiring Female Aviation Leaders

The leaders offered the following guidance:

Stay focused, curious and keep learning. Aviation is a fast-evolving industry, so continuous education and skill development are essential. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Seek mentors. Find professionals who can guide you and provide insights from their experience. 
Be resilient. You may face challenges, but perseverance and hard work will set you apart. The opportunities are vast, and there’s a place for everyone who is willing to work for it.
Network and get involved. Attend industry events, join aviation groups, and engage with professionals in the field. 
Never let stereotypes define your potential. If I had listened to those who doubted me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Passion and determination will always lead you forward.

Our Global Aviation Practice at Odgers is led by Susan Thompson, who brings decades of insight and a strong commitment to advancing diversity in the sector. In the Middle East, David Greenwood leads our aviation efforts with a deep understanding of the region’s unique dynamics and talent landscape.

Together, we are proud to support clients in building leadership teams that reflect the diversity, ambition, and innovation that define the aviation industry today.

If your organisation is ready to take the next step, whether it’s building a more inclusive leadership pipeline, exploring new talent strategies, or simply starting the conversation, we are here to help.

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Get in touch. Follow the links below to discover more, or contact our dedicated Aviation leadership experts from your local Odgers office here.