Emirates has promoted its first Emirati female captains, marking a milestone for women in aviation and inspiring future generations of pilots.
DUBAI: Emirates has promoted two Emirati pilots, Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri, to captain positions, making them the airline’s first Emirati women to achieve the rank. The landmark achievement highlights the airline’s long-standing commitment to developing national talent and advancing opportunities for women in aviation.
Both pilots began their careers through the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme (NCPP), a fully funded initiative that has trained and graduated Emirati pilots since its launch in 1993. After years of dedication, training and operational experience, Hanan and Bakhita have officially earned their fourth stripes and now command Boeing 777 aircraft across Emirates’ global network.
The achievement of these Emirati female captains represents a significant milestone not only for Emirates but also for the wider UAE aviation sector. Hanan joined the airline in 2008 and has accumulated more than 9,200 flying hours throughout her career. Reflecting on her promotion, she recalled being inspired as a teenager after seeing the UAE’s first female pilot on television.
Bakhita joined the cadet programme in 2011 and credits much of her success to the mentorship she received from training captains and aviation leaders throughout her journey. She emphasised the importance of passing knowledge and experience to younger generations entering the profession.
The newly appointed Emirati female captains also shared a message for aspiring women pilots, highlighting the UAE leadership’s commitment to empowering women and creating opportunities for future generations to thrive in specialised fields such as aviation.
Capt Hassan Alhammadi, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Flight Operations, praised both pilots for their dedication and professionalism. He noted that their success reflects the strength of the National Cadet Pilot Programme and the airline’s ability to nurture Emirati talent from entry-level training through to leadership roles.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the achievement of these Emirati female captains stands as an inspiring example of determination, excellence and the growing role of women in shaping the future of flight.
