Saudi Airline Makes History With an All-Female Crew

Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flyadeal made history this week by operating Saudi Arabia’s first flight with an all-female crew. 

The flight took off from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, for Jeddah on Thursday. 

A revolutionary event 

In a milestone achievement for not only the carrier but for perceptions of women in Saudi amidst its conservatively limiting opinion of women, the flight made history in Saudi Arabia. It was only in 2019 when the country saw its first female co-pilot, Yasmeen Al Maimani, fly a commercial plane in Saudi Arabia. 

Flyadeal is owned by Saudi flag carrier Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines. Flyadeal began operating in September 2017 and primarily serves domestic destinations. The carrier’s fleet is comprised of 11 Airbus A320-200 and 11 A320neo aircraft and is aiming to grow its fleet to 100 aircraft – starting with its latest order in July 2021 of 50 A320neo aircraft.

The flight was made up of seven female crew members and departed on 19 May. The majority of which were of Saudi nationality, including the first officer. The first officer, Yara Jan, is also reportedly the youngest Saudi female pilot. 

Flyadeal is owned by Saudi flag carrier Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines. Flyadeal began operating in September 2017 and primarily serves domestic destinations. The carrier’s fleet is comprised of 11 Airbus A320-200 and 11 A320neo aircraft.

Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority has been dedicated in recent years to increasing the involvement of women in the country’s aviation sector. And according to data from the General Authority for Statistics, female participation in Saudi Arabia’s avionic workforce increased to 33% at the end of 2020 from a low 19% in 2016.

But there’s clearly still work to do, and this flight would only help to encourage women to take up roles within the sector. 

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