They are the latest female pioneers of the skies – and their ambition to fly is proving a landmark for women throughout the UAE.

For Noura Fathi, Reshma Manavazhi and Salma Mohammed Al Baloushi, the sky is definitely the limit. They are the first three female pilot graduates of Al Ain’s Horizon International Flight Academy.

Left to right: Salma Mohammed Al Baloushi, Noura Fathi and Reshma Manavazhi , Horizon GM Mohammed Humaidan Al Zaabi

Now the triumphant trio are hoping that their achievements will give lift-off to the flying aspirations of countless other females in the region.

For Reshma Manavazhi, who graduated as a Flight Instructor, the move is a dream comes true.

“Being a pilot was always my goal and after finishing high school I immediately began my training,” she explained. “I was part of the inaugural career programme at Horizon Academy. Horizon offered the flight instructor course along with a guaranteed job; in exchange I have to instruct at the Academy for two years.”

Reshma, the only female in a group of four to take the course, would love to fly for a local airline. “I grew up here, and my family lives here as well. It’s been a lifelong dream to fly for an airline and get to see the world.

“My proudest moment was when I received my Commercial Pilot License. I got my CPL on my dad’s birthday so it was extra special for both of us.”

Her message to other women with flying ambitions is simple: “If you are really passionate, then do it – especially here, with female pilots being so few and far between. If you have a chance, I would say go for it.”

Noura Fathi graduated with a Private Pilot’s Licence. “I hope one day to fly my mother and grandmother, who have been a great inspiration to me,” she said. “I couldn’t have achieved this without their support and encouragement.”

And she encourages other women to take up the challenge. “The sky is the limit – you can be anything you want to be with hard work and determination. If this is your dream follow it and give it your all.”

Based at Al Ain Airport, Horizon International Flight Academy was established in 2003 as an academy for training fixed-wing and helicopter pilots to International standards. Owned by Mubadala Development Company, the investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government, Horizon opened its doors to its first batch of student pilots in September 2003 after receiving certification as an approved training institute from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority.

The course has given fellow graduate Salma Mohammed Al Baloushi the platform to become one of Etihad Airways first female pilot.

Before joining the course she was studying nursing. Now 18 months later and after 205 flying hours plus 750 hours of ground school, she is enjoying her mould-breaking role.

“My inspiration was Aisha Al Hamli, the first female Emirati pilot,” she explains. “I saw her in a magazine and I was inspired, I wanted like her to break barriers and be a role model for others as well.”

Horizon’s general manager Mohammed Humaidan Al Zaabi praised the efforts of his star pupils. “We hope more girls will be encouraged by Salma, Noura and Reshma’s accomplishments to pursue this noble ambition. They are pioneers and we are glad to have contributed to their achievements.”

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