When most South Africans think of Emirates, they picture the airline’s signature red hat and white scarf worn by its cabin crew. But behind that iconic look is a much bigger story, one of South African women making their mark across every part of the airline.
During Women’s Month, Emirates highlighted the 773 South African women who play a critical role in keeping the airline running every day. Not just in the cabin, they are flying the planes, maintaining them, managing logistics, driving sales, and even building technology. They are in strategic management and corporate roles, back offices, and hangars. Their impact goes far beyond Women’s Month, making a difference at the airline every single day.
These women demonstrate the resilience, capacity, and determination of South African women. Today, 59% of the South Africans making up Emirates workforce is female and 41% is male. The majority (599) fill the world’s skies as cabin crew, but others are involved in running the airports, legal, finance, engineering, and even in the cockpit as pilots. In fact, 12 South African females now fly as pilots, reflecting increasing diversity in aviation and of shattering previously male-dominated spaces.
Growing within the world’s largest airline, more than 75 South African female employees at Emirates have been with the airline for over a decade; 34 have reached over 15 years, and 22 have worked for more than two decades. The longest-serving South African female employee in the group has been working with the company for close to 27 years.
Women Taking Command
However, progress and advancement in the aviation industry cannot be measured alone in terms of statistics.
At Emirates, women are helping make decisions in the epicentre of aviation activities, like engineering, flight operations, and network planning, and women are making tangible contributions across critical technical roles.
Anele Ndlovu, an aircraft technician at Emirates Engineering, exemplifies this. Ndlovu says, “Working as an aircraft technician at Emirates has given me many proud moments. Moments where I felt part of something bigger, maintaining and keeping our aircraft safe to fly. I have worked on different aircraft types, gained valuable skills, and met many people from all over the world. Every completed job and safe departure feel like an achievement.”
Captain Chrystal Walker, a pilot for Emirates, adds, “Landing the world’s largest passenger jet at the world’s largest airports is quite incredible. The opportunity to fly such a beautiful machine, and have Emirates, the passengers and the other crew trust you to do this safely and professionally, amazes me still.”
Emirates differentiates itself by building capability. Women are in key roles as pilots, engineers, and senior managers because the organisation believes in giving people opportunities on merit. It’s about putting the best person in the right position and letting them lead.
Ammarah Bassa, Cabin Crew at Emirates, says, “As a South African woman, I take pride in the strength, resilience, and courage that have shaped women before us. In my role as a cabin crew member, I have the privilege of connecting with people from around the world, and I do so with the pride and empathy shaped by my roots.”
South African women are also forging the future of the airline, contributing to the creation of groundbreaking products such as the innovative cross-border delivery solution. Chantelle Marsh, Cargo Product Development Controller at Emirates SkyCargo said, “Joining the Emirates Courier Express product team and contributing to the new service has been a highlight in my logistics career. Seeing our ideas turn into real solutions that connect customers globally is incredibly rewarding – not to mention our brand on the livery of an A380, which made its maiden voyage to Johannesburg and is now flying around the world!”
Celebrating Milestones in Aviation
Aviation has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made. Real change happens when women are supported in every role, flying planes, fixing them, or leading teams.
At Emirates, South African women are proving that talent matters. By sharing their stories, from cabin crew to engineers, the company is showing young people that aviation is open to everyone.
These women are building a future that’s diverse, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
Notes:
*Data from The Emirates Group is accurate as of 25th August 2025.
