Emirates first Emirati female captains Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri have achieved a historic milestone in the UAE aviation industry after being promoted to captains at Dubai-based Emirates airline.
The achievement makes them the first Emirati women to command Emirates aircraft, marking a significant breakthrough for female representation in commercial aviation.
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From Cadets to Captains
Both Hanan and Bakhita began their aviation careers through the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme, a fully funded initiative that has produced generations of Emirati pilots since its launch in 1993.
Hanan joined Emirates in 2008 as a cadet pilot, pursuing a lifelong dream of flying. Over the years, she steadily advanced through the ranks with the support of mentors and airline leadership, eventually reaching one of the highest positions in commercial aviation.
Bakhita followed a similar path, joining the programme in 2011. Inspired by pioneering Emirati women in aviation and driven by her passion for flying, she continued to build her career through determination and consistent achievement.
Their promotions underscore the effectiveness of Emirates’ talent development strategy, which enables Emiratis to progress from entry-level training to leadership positions within the airline.
Inspired by a Childhood Dream
For Hanan, the journey to becoming a captain began when she was just 14 years old.
Recalling the moment that shaped her future, she said she was inspired after seeing the UAE’s first female pilot on television.
“When I was 14, I saw the UAE’s first female pilot on TV and was struck by her confidence and presence. From that point on, all I wanted was to become a pilot,” she said.
Despite achieving one of the most prestigious milestones in aviation, Hanan views the promotion as another step in her professional journey rather than a final destination.
“Receiving my fourth stripe is a proud milestone, but I don’t see it as the destination. This is just the beginning. I don’t believe the sky is the limit,” she said.
Growth Beyond the Cockpit
Hanan also reflected on how her personal interests and lifestyle have evolved alongside her career.
With more than 9,253 flying hours accumulated throughout her career, she emphasized the importance of continuous learning and maintaining balance.
While she enjoyed drawing and reading in her younger years, she now challenges herself through new pursuits such as skiing. She has also adopted activities including aerial yoga, Pilates, and reformer training to enhance focus, discipline, and mental clarity—qualities she considers essential for her role as a captain.
The Power of Mentorship
For Bakhita, mentorship played a crucial role in shaping both her professional development and leadership style.
She credited Emirates’ training captains and senior leaders for helping her strengthen her technical expertise while teaching valuable lessons about responsibility, discipline, and continuous learning.
“My journey at Emirates has been deeply influenced by the mentorship and guidance I received from exceptional training captains and leaders throughout my flying and command journey,” she said.
Bakhita added that one of the most important lessons she learned was the responsibility to share knowledge with future generations.
“With the opportunity and responsibility I have been given as a captain, I hope to carry forward the same values and mentorship that were invested in me and support younger generations beginning their own flying journey,” she said.
Inspiring Future Generations
The newly promoted captains also shared a message of encouragement for aspiring female pilots across the UAE and beyond.
They highlighted the role of the country’s leadership in creating opportunities for women and fostering an environment where they can succeed in traditionally male-dominated professions.
“Our leadership has long recognised women as essential partners in shaping our nation’s future, and Emirates is creating the environment and opportunities for women to thrive,” they said.
The pair expressed confidence that future generations of women would continue to build on these achievements and contribute to the growth of the aviation sector.
Emirates Celebrates Achievement
Capt Hassan Alhammadi, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, praised both pilots for their achievement and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to developing UAE nationals.
“We are immensely proud of Hanan and Bakhita for becoming Emirates‘ first Emirati female captains,” he said. “This well-deserved achievement reflects years of dedication, professionalism, and hard work, and underscores the airline’s ability to nurture Emirati talent from entry level through to the highest leadership roles.”
He added that the National Cadet Pilot Programme remains a vital pathway for young Emirati men and women seeking careers in commercial aviation while supporting Emirates’ future pilot requirements.
The milestone not only celebrates two exceptional careers but also signals a new chapter for women in aviation, inspiring future generations to pursue their ambitions and reach new heights in the industry.
