Nevin Mahmoud Darwish Honored as First Female Pilot Outside the EU to Command the A380
During the 2025 Global Aviation Forum (GAF) and the Women in Aviation General Assembly, Nevin Mahmoud Darwish was celebrated for her historic achievement as the first female pilot outside the European Union to command the A380, the world's largest commercial aircraft. This distinction highlights her exceptional career and illustrates the growing presence of women in the international aviation industry.
With over 20,000 hours of flight experience and a career spanning over 30 years, starting in 1989, Nevin Darwish has piloted several international fleets, including EgyptAir and Emirates Airlines, commanding B737, B767, B777, A330, and A340 aircraft before taking the helm of the A380. She also shares a unique record with her daughter, forming the first mother-daughter duo to command a wide-body aircraft, a powerful symbol of inspiration for the next generation of aviation professionals.
The announcement of this achievement took place during the Global Aviation Forum, which brings together aviation authorities, airport operators, training institutions, and industry leaders from around the world. The event aims to:
- Promote inclusion and gender equality in all aviation professions
- Recognize and value female excellence and leadership
- Encourage innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in the aviation sector
The Women in Aviation General Assembly also reiterated its objectives:
- Increase the number of certified women in all aviation professions
- Facilitate their access to leadership positions
- Strengthen their involvement in strategic areas of digital and sustainable aviation
This tribute to Nevin Mahmoud Darwish sends a strong message to the entire aviation industry: women are indispensable players in the aviation of tomorrow, capable of combining operational excellence, technological innovation, and inspiration for future generations.
