WOMEN pilots from across the world will meet in Bahrain this week in a bid to inspire locals and share with them their passion to fly.
More than 40 female pilots of The Ninety-Nines International Organisation of Women Pilots (99s) will attend the annual gathering of the group, which is being held in Bahrain for the first time.
The three-day event is scheduled to start on Tuesday from 7.30pm at the Mövenpick Hotel in Muharraq under the patronage of the Transportation Ministry.
It follows the successful appearance of the group, which was formed in 1929 with the sole purpose of unifying and supporting female pilots globally, at this year’s Bahrain International Air Show.
‘We are coming to Bahrain with a collective purpose to inspire locals with our passion and discuss our future vision,’ said 99s Arabian Section governor and Royal Jordanian Airlines first officer Alia Twal.
‘Twelve of our members are from Bahrain, out of whom eight are pilots and for the first time, Bahrain is hosting our official meeting, which aims to encourage more women to join aviation, share experiences, network, and establish a stronger bond between the east and the west.
‘We have the management of the 99s joining us from the US on the first day as well to see the activities of the Arabian section, and get a glimpse of the work done by Arab women pilots and pilots in the Middle East.’
Visits to historical places in Bahrain and charity activities are also planned as part of the programme.
‘On the first morning, orphans from Al Sanabel Orphans Care and children who suffer from cancer from the Dream Society will be taken for a tour of the Gulf Aviation Academy,’ said Ms Twal.
‘The tour will take place in the simulator building where our members will escort and guide the children in simulator sessions, hoping to inspire those children to aim for the skies where there aren’t limits.’
A friendship day will also be held for members old and new, with group bonding sessions including pearl hunting and a snorkelling trip at Al Dar Island, as well as visits to historical landmarks such as the National Museum and Manama Suq.
Members are expected to fly in from Spain, Tunisia, Algeria, the US and across the Gulf for the event, which is sponsored by Ayla Aviation Academy, the Gulf Aviation Academy, Bahrain Airport Company, Bahrain Airport Services, Gulf Air, MENA Aerospace, Banagas, DHL Aviation, Zain Telecom, Atlantic Flight School, Civil Aviation Authority, Bahrain Duty Free, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Aventura and the Mövenpick Hotel.
raji@gdn.com.bh