Air Jamaica's Inaugural Female Aviator: Maria Ziadie-Haddad
In the heart of Montego Bay, Jamaica, born in 1955, a young girl named Maria Ziadie-Haddad embarked on a journey that would break barriers and inspire generations. This trailblazing woman became the first female commercial pilot hired by Air Jamaica, making history in the Caribbean commercial aviation industry.
Maria's journey began in 1974 when she joined Air Jamaica as a flight attendant. However, after attending a seminar, her passion for aviation soared, and she decided to take the controls herself. In February 1978, she acquired her private pilot license, followed by her commercial flight license after completing a course at the Opa Locka Flight Center.
In 1979, Maria was hired by Air Jamaica as a pilot, marking a significant milestone in her career. She started her pilot training as a Boeing 727 Second Officer on the 5th of March, 1979. Over the years, she was promoted to First Officer in 1986 and moved to the Airbus 300 aircraft. In 1995, she moved back to the Boeing 727 and was appointed as a Captain on the 2nd of July, 1996.
One of her most memorable achievements was on the 19th of December 1997, when she completed Air Jamaica's first all-female flight with six other women in the crew. This groundbreaking flight demonstrated that nothing is impossible for those who dare to try, as Captain Maria Ziadie-Haddad's life and career demonstrate.
Throughout her career, Maria received numerous awards and recognition for her work. The Government of Jamaica, the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, the Jamaica Cultural Alliance, and Jamaican Women of Florida are among the organizations that have honoured her.
Maria Ziadie-Haddad retired from her career in 2020, working for Atlas Air until her retirement. Despite her retirement, Maria continues to inspire young women who want to work in aviation. She encourages them to stay focused, disciplined, motivated, and positive, reminiscing about her years of flying with gratitude.
Maria is not just a pioneering figure in aviation; she is also a loving mother of two sons. Her husband, Captain Brian Haddad, is also a Captain. The United Arab Emirates is one of the countries that Maria visited during her career, and she considers it her favourite due to its interesting culture and tasty food.
In her retirement, Maria plans to teach aviation, passing on her knowledge and passion to the next generation of pilots. Her story serves as a testament to the power of determination and the heights one can reach when they dare to dream.
Aviation pioneer Maria Ziadie-Haddad's career transition from a flight attendant to a commercial pilot, boosted by her passion for aviation technology, started with her acquiring her private pilot license in 1978 and culminated in her being appointed as a Captain in 1996, setting a historic precedent for women in the Caribbean commercial aviation industry. As technology advanced, Captain Ziadie-Haddad adapted, moving from the Boeing 727 to the Airbus 300, demonstrating how advancements in aviation technology can empower and propel individuals to achieve great heights in their careers.
