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Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Dh500k aviation scholarships launched to empower women, bridge gender gap
A new scholarship programme worth over Dh500K has been launched for women from Arab countries who want to pursue professional careers in aviation — a sector where women comprise just five per cent of pilots globally. Backed by the Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA), the Women in Aviation Middle East scholarship programme targets women from the Middle East facing financial constraints. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Dr Zeina Mehyou, Deputy CEO for Academic Relations, Governance and Student Experience, IAA, said, 'We've long recognised the significant gender gap in aviation, particularly in pilot roles, where women remain highly underrepresented. Over the years, we've actively worked to challenge the perception that aviation is a male-dominated field by emphasising that passion, determination, and skill, not gender, are what truly matter. "However, the UAE and other countries in the region have made significant strides in promoting gender equality, and the aviation sector is a powerful example where women now represent up to 48 per cent of the workforce in certain airlines and aviation organisations.' Under the scholarship. the academy is offering for the 2025 launch: One full scholarship valued at over USD 105,000 (around Dh 385,350), covering all tuition and flight training necessary to obtain a full Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Ten fully sponsored scholarships for the Fundamentals of Aviation course, valued at a collective USD 35,000 (Dh128,450), designed to give young women foundational knowledge and early exposure to aviation careers. Dr Zeina Mehyou explained that the programme goes beyond tuition support. It includes mentorship and internship opportunities to ensure recipients are not only trained but also career-ready. 'Recipients will have access to experienced mentors from the aviation industry to guide them throughout their training journey." 'In terms of practical experience, we are also working closely with our industry partners to facilitate internship and potential job placement opportunities for selected scholars, particularly those who demonstrate excellence, to help them transition smoothly from training to the professional aviation environment.' she added. Globally, women remain underrepresented in technical aviation roles. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), women made up just 4.9 per cent of pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance technicians combined in 2021. Regionally, the highest increase in the number of women pilots were observed in Asia Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean, with North America leading at 4.6 per cent. To address this disparity, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched the 25by2025 initiative, targeting a 25 per cent increase in female representation in underrepresented and senior roles by 2025. 'The launch of this scholarship programme is a natural next step in our mission. It is designed to remove one of the most common barriers — financial constraints — that may prevent talented women from taking the leap,' said Mehyou. 'By offering this scholarship, we hope to empower more women with the opportunity to start their journey and thrive in the aviation industry.' Applications for the scholarship programme will officially open at the end of May 2025, with those selected to be announced at the Annual Women in Aviation Middle East Meeting in November 2025. All training will be conducted at IAA's facilities in the UAE.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Intercontinental Aviation Academy launches Women in Aviation Middle East scholarship program
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – In an announcement made during the Women in Aviation Middle East Conference & Awards on Thursday, May 8, 2024, Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA) introduced its new Women in Aviation Middle East Scholarship Program. The initiative is aimed at empowering women from Arab countries to pursue professional careers in aviation and marks a significant step forward in fostering inclusivity within the industry. Held at Sheikh Saeed Hall 1, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and co-located with the renowned Airport Show, the conference gathered global aviation leaders, distinguished female professionals, and aspiring students under the theme: "Charting the Future and Beyond: Collaborating for Change." IAA's Chief Executive Officer, Captain Wissam Mehyou, and Ms. Mervat Sultan, President of the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter, jointly launched the scholarship on stage in front of an international audience of industry stakeholders and aspiring aviators. 'This scholarship reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and shaping a future where women lead and thrive in aviation,' said Captain Mehyou during the launch. Scholarship Highlights: One (1) Full EASA ATPL Modular Program A comprehensive training scholarship valued at over USD 105,000, covering all tuition and flight training necessary to obtain a full Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Ten (10) Fully Sponsored Fundamentals of Aviation Courses Introductory programs valued at a collective USD 35,000, designed to give young women foundational knowledge and early exposure to aviation careers. An Advisory Board, chaired by Women in Aviation Middle East, will oversee the review and selection process. The scholarship will be open to women and youth from Arab countries, with a strong emphasis on expanding access to aviation education and careers across the region. Applications for the scholarship program will officially open at the end of May 2025, with winners to be announced at the Annual Women in Aviation Middle East Meeting in November 2025. All training will be conducted at IAA's state-of-the-art facilities in the United Arab Emirates. This initiative is poised to be a turning point for aspiring female aviators in the Arab world, contributing to the long-term vision of a more inclusive and representative aviation sector. For more information, visit About Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA): Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA) is a premier aviation training institution based in the United Arab Emirates, with bases in Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece, dedicated to delivering world-class pilot and aviation education programs. With a focus on safety, innovation, and international standards, IAA offers a full range of training solutions, designed to equip aspiring pilots with the skills and certifications needed for global aviation careers.
