Ethiopian Airlines appoints its first female commercial flight captain

October 15, 2010

APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Ethiopian Airlines on Thursday officially appointed its first female commercial flight captain, APA learns here.

The first female commercial flight captain, Amsale Gualu Endegnanew, took off her first flight on a Q-400 aircraft from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar on an internal flight.

Captain Amsale joined Ethiopian Airlines Pilot Training School in 2000 and started her career as first officer in 2002, according to the Ethiopian airlines.

Since then she has worked on Fokker-50, 757 and 767 aircraft as first officer.

Designate chief executive officer of the Airline, Tewolde Gebremariam welcomed her at the airport on her return flight from Bahir Dar.

“It is well deserved as she has shown tremendous dedication to achieve the rank of captain,” said Gebremariam.

Ethiopian Airlines currently has four female pilots working as first officers.

The airlines, which claims to be Africa’s best airline, has a long history in getting various awards for its activities in the continent and beyond.