Emirates promotes first Emirati female captains in landmark aviation milestone
Two Boeing 777 commanders emerge from national training programme
DUBAI – Emirates has promoted two accomplished Emirati pilots to captaincy, making aviation history within the airline and marking a significant milestone in its commitment to empowering Emirati women.
Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri have officially received their fourth stripes, becoming the first Emirati female captains in Emirates’ history.
Both women began their journeys through the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme and now command the airline’s Boeing 777 fleet, achieving a breakthrough that reflects years of dedication, training and professional excellence. Their promotions also underscore the growing role of Emirati women in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation sectors.
Historic first
Hanan joined Emirates in 2008 through the cadet pilot programme, pursuing a dream that began in her teenage years. Inspired by seeing the UAE’s first female pilot on television at the age of 14, she set her sights on a career in aviation and steadily progressed through the ranks with the support of mentors and flight operations leaders.
Over the years, she accumulated 9,253 flying hours, building extensive experience in commercial aviation while developing the skills required to take command of one of the airline’s flagship aircraft.
Reflecting on her promotion, Hanan described receiving her fourth stripe as a proud milestone but emphasised that it was not the end of her journey.
“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.
She added that the years spent serving as a First Officer helped prepare her for command, describing the captaincy pathway as a process built over time through experience, learning and responsibility.
Beyond aviation, Hanan highlighted how personal growth has played an important role in her development. While she once focused on drawing, reading and intensive gym training, she now embraces activities such as skiing, yoga, aerial yoga, Pilates and reformer exercises, which she says help build focus, discipline and clarity.
Bakhita’s path began in 2011 when she joined Emirates as a cadet pilot. Inspired by successful Emirati women who had already entered the aviation industry, she pursued her ambition to fly and steadily advanced through a series of professional milestones.
Her rise to captaincy was shaped by years of mentorship from training captains and senior leaders across Emirates’ flight operations division.
Speaking about her experience, Bakhita credited those mentors with helping strengthen not only her technical expertise but also her leadership abilities.
“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.
She noted that their professionalism, experience and willingness to share knowledge taught her valuable lessons about responsibility, discipline and continuous learning.
One of the most significant lessons, she explained, was the importance of passing knowledge to the next generation. As a captain, she hopes to continue that tradition by mentoring aspiring pilots and helping young Emiratis build successful careers in aviation.
Inspiring women
Together, Hanan and Bakhita delivered a message to aspiring female pilots across the UAE, highlighting the opportunities available to women within the country’s aviation sector.
“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, and we will continue to build on this for future generations,” they said.
Their achievement comes at a time when women are increasingly taking on leadership positions across industries in the UAE, including sectors traditionally dominated by men. Within aviation, the promotion of the airline’s first Emirati female captains represents a visible example of that progress.
The milestone also reflects the long-term investment made by Emirates in developing national talent through structured training and career development pathways.
Cadet pilot programme
Capt Hassan Alhammadi, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Flight Operations, described the promotions as a source of pride for the airline and a reflection of its commitment to developing UAE Nationals.
“At Emirates, we have always committed to developing our UAE Nationals as part of our professional workforce,” he said.
He noted that the cadet pilot programme continues to provide young Emirati men and women with a pathway into commercial aviation while supporting the airline’s future pilot requirements.
Capt Alhammadi said Hanan and Bakhita’s achievement reflected years of dedication, professionalism and hard work, while also demonstrating Emirates’ ability to nurture Emirati talent from entry-level positions through to senior leadership roles.
The promotions also shine a spotlight on the National Cadet Pilot Programme, one of the Emirates Group’s longest-running talent development initiatives.
Launched in 1993, the fully funded programme has produced numerous Emirati pilots who have gone on to become captains, training pilots and senior aviation leaders within Emirates and across the wider UAE aviation industry.
Training is delivered through Emirates’ Flight Training Academy and combines classroom instruction, advanced aviation technology, hands-on flying experience and rigorous safety standards. Cadets also benefit from training at Emirates’ new pilot training centre as they progress through the programme.
The initiative forms part of the Emirates Group’s wider Emiratisation strategy, which focuses on building a sustainable national workforce through structured career pathways, graduate programmes, leadership development initiatives and mentorship opportunities.
By investing in training and exposing Emirati talent to global aviation best practices, the Group aims to equip future generations with the skills needed to thrive in a highly competitive industry while supporting both its long-term growth and the UAE’s national vision.