Emirati woman in running for president of International Civil Aviation Organisation

Capt Aysha Al Hameli is the UAE's permanent representative to the International Civil Aviation Organisation Council. Wam

An Emirati woman is one of three candidates up for election as president of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Capt Aysha Al Hameli has been the UAE’s permanent representative at the UN organisation for the past decade, representing the country at the council where decisions on international air navigation, transport and safety are made.

On Monday, members of the organisation will meet at the headquarters in Montreal, Canada, to cast their votes and elect the new president.

If elected, Capt Al Hameli will become the first woman to head the ICAO Council.

On Thursday, Capt Al Hameli said she was committed to the principles of neutrality, adopted by the UN, and would work for the interest of all ICAO member states.

"I will work towards maintaining safe, secure and sustainable aviation system. The civil aviation is a key enabler to economic and social development," she told state news agency Wam.

Outlining her vision and plans to serve the ICAO and its 193 member states, Capt Al Hameli said: "I will always try to play this bridging role among all members without exception and without bias. I will launch worldwide initiatives and campaigns to reinforce safety and security of civil aviation and I will deal in a serious and responsible manner with the climate change and environmental issues for all member states."

She also spoke of the UAE’s significant contribution to civil aviation.

"The UAE plays a pioneering and effective role in the global civil aviation scene and works closely with the other nations to enhance the their aviation sectors through various programmes and initiatives."

Capt Al Hameli is one of the most experienced members of the ICAO Council, having been the UAE’s Representative since October 2009. She was elected First Vice-President of the ICAO Council and chaired several committees of the 36-member Council.

Before being appointed to ICAO, Capt Al Hameli was the Director of Air Transport of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority where she led more than 80 international air services negotiations that enabled UAE airlines to provide service around the world.