UAE's congratulates new International Civil Aviation Organisation president elected over Emirati candidate

Capt Aysha Al Hameli, the UAE's representative at the ICAO, was one of three presidential candidates

The International Civil Aviation Organisation elected a new president on Monday. Courtesy General Civil Aviation Authority Twitter

The UAE congratulated the International Civil Aviation Organisation on its election of a new president on Monday.

The UN organisation's new president, Salvadore Sciacchitano, was elected in Montreal, Canada, and will begin his mandate on January 1.

"The GCAA offers its sincere congratulations to Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano on his election as the ICAO Council President," the GCAA statement read.

"We look forward to the future and continue to contribute to the well-being of the aviation industry for the greater common good."

The GCAA said the aviation industry faced many challenges that could be overcome together. "[The ICAO's] role in expanding tourism and market access across the globe is of utmost importance.

"Safe and dependable air transport connectivity is one of the pillars of global economy. We will continue to work with our colleagues to make the industry even more reliable, safe and stable."

Mr Sciacchitano, from Italy, ran against two other candidates, including Emirati Aysha Al Hameli.

Had she been elected, Capt Al Hameli, the UAE's permanent representative to ICAO Council for the past decade, would have been the first female president.

Ahead of the election, 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.

Before being appointed to ICAO, Capt Al Hameli was the UAE's first female pilot. She was also 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.