Emirates promotes the first Emirati female captains, inspiring the next generation of women | News
Emirates has promoted two experienced Emirati female pilots to captain, marking a crucial step forward in its commitment to empowering Emirati women in aviation. Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri both advanced through the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme, an initiative that has graduated numerous Emirati pilots.
Hanan Mohammed Jawad joined Emirates in 2008 through the cadet pilot program, driven by ambition, passion and a lifelong dream to take to the skies. With strong mentorship and continued support from the airline’s fleet management, she steadily rose through the ranks and built her career from the ground up.
Bakhita Al Mheiri started her journey at Emirates as a cadet pilot in 2011. Inspired by successful Emirati female pilots and driven by her passion for flying, Bakhita continued to achieve one milestone after another and built a strong and successful career at Emirates.
Hanan and Bakhita both officially received their fourth stripe this year, making them the first female Emirati captains at Emirates, both flying the Boeing 777 fleet. With many years of experience in their respective careers, they both reflect a determination that is as strong as ever, and their ambitions continue to reach new heights.
Hanan has accumulated a total of 9,253 flight hours during her journey as a pilot. Speaking about her promotion, Hanan said: “When I was 14, I saw the UAE’s first female pilot on TV and was struck by her confidence and presence. From then on, all I wanted to do was be a pilot.”
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. The path to command is built over time, and my years as a first officer have prepared me for this moment.”
Hanan also reflected on how she has grown throughout her journey, both professionally and personally. “You change as you grow, and that’s a strength. When I was younger I loved drawing and reading. Nowadays I challenge myself in new ways. I recently started skiing and am still a beginner, I enjoy being in that learning space. Balance is important to me now. I’ve moved from intense gym training to exercises that build focus and calm yoga – aerial yoga, Pilates and reformer. They support the clarity, discipline and presence my role requires.”
Speaking about her personal and professional growth shaped by the mentorship at Emirates, Bakhita said: “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. Their experience, professionalism and willingness to share knowledge and experience not only strengthened my technical and leadership skills, but also shaped me personally by teaching me the value of responsibility, discipline and continuous learning. One of the most meaningful lessons I learned during this journey was the importance of passing on knowledge and experience. With the opportunity and responsibility I have been given as a captain, I hope to continue the same values and mentorship invested in me, and to support and guide the younger generations as they embark on their own flying journey, so that they too can continue to contribute to the future and success of the UAE.
A message from Hanan and Bakhita to the next generation of aspiring female pilots: “Our leadership has long recognized women as essential partners in shaping our country’s future, and Emirates creates the environment and opportunities for women to thrive, and we will continue to build on this for generations to come.”
Commenting on the airline’s commitment to developing Emirati talent, Capt Hassan Alhammadi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Flight Operations, said: “At Emirates, we have always been committed to developing our UAE nationals as part of the professional workforce. The cadet pilot program remains critical in providing a pathway for young men and women to enter the commercial pilot profession with Emirates, supporting our future pilot needs.
We are extremely proud of Hanan and Bakhita for becoming Emirates’ first female captains, a well-deserved achievement that reflects years of dedication, professionalism and hard work and underlines the airline’s ability to nurture Emirati talent from entry level to the highest leadership roles.”
About the National Cadet Pilot Program (NCPP)
Launched in 1993, the NCPP is a fully funded initiative of the Emirates Group and has graduated many Emirati pilots to date, including Hanan and Bakhita. These pilots have gone on to become captains, training pilots and senior leaders at Emirates and in the UAE’s aviation industry. This demonstrates the airline’s ability to promote long-term career growth and advancement for Emiratis.
The program provides comprehensive flight training at Emirates’ Flight Training Academy, combining world-class instruction, advanced technology and stringent safety standards. From fundamental theory to practical flying experience, cadets are guided through every stage of their journey, preparing them for a long-term career as a professional pilot with Emirates and for other airlines. Cadets will also receive robust training at Emirates’ new pilot training center as part of the programme.
