Latest news with #MervatSultan
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.
Trade Arabia
08-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
WIA ME conference charts path toward full empowerment
The Women in Aviation – Middle East (WIA ME) conference at Airport Show 2025 showcased the future of aviation as more inclusive and diverse, with women ascending to cockpits and boardrooms. The event attracted regional and international participation, serving as a platform to share experiences and celebrate female achievements in a competitive and rapidly evolving global industry. In his keynote speech, Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah, praised the UAE's leadership for placing women's empowerment at the heart of national development strategies. 'Today, Emirati women hold senior positions, contribute to aircraft engineering and operations management, and represent 42% of the aviation workforce—an unprecedented achievement in the region,' he said. Sultan: From Representation to Real Influence Mervat Sultan, Founder and President of the Middle East Chapter of Women in Aviation International, delivered an engaging address that moved the audience beyond recognition and into vision-building: 'Today's celebration is not only about what has been achieved, but about what lies ahead—ambitions, challenges, and new paths. We're not just asking for representation; we're demanding meaningful participation—in innovation, in decision-making, in labs, cockpits, and boardrooms.' She stressed that progress is not measured solely by numbers, but by community depth and impact: 'Slow progress is sometimes the most enduring. Last year, we had about 250 participants. This year, attendance has more than doubled—not just in the hall, but throughout the professional ecosystem. Government and private sector support confirms we're on the right track.' Training Opportunities and Targeted Support Sultan announced the launch of a fully funded EASA ATPL scholarship, along with free aviation fundamentals training and a specialised program on emotional intelligence for pilots, in collaboration with Airman Ground. 'These initiatives respond to real market needs and aspirations that can no longer be postponed,' she said. When asked about this year's award winners, Sultan noted: 'We maintain the same award categories every year, but 2025 was especially inspiring. Captain Samran Omran, the first Arab woman to fly transatlantic routes from Jordan to the US in the 1980s, is a symbol of persistence. We also honored figures like Dr Nadine Itani, a trusted aviation expert for global media, and institutions such as the International Aviation Academy and Al Jazeera Aviation Club in Ras Al Khaimah—clear signs that meaningful change is happening.' Her message to aspiring women in the industry emphasised professionalism above all: 'In aviation, dreams alone are not enough. Success relies on respecting time and structure. A two-minute delay doesn't just affect your flight—it affects dozens behind you. Aviation teaches you that safety and discipline are everything.' Honoring Women Who Leave a Lasting Impact The conference concluded with a celebration honoring Dr Suaad Al Shamsi with the Women in Aviation Leadership Award, Aya Sader with the Innovation Award, and Dr Nadine Itani with the title of "Most Influential Woman in Aviation." Khalifa University and Al Jazeera Aviation Club were also recognised for their significant contributions to training and institutional empowerment. In her final remarks, Mervat Sultan delivered a powerful call to action:
