Captains Bakhita Al Mheiri (left) and Hanan Mohammed Jawad. EMIRATES

Two Emirati pilots have broken new ground at Emirates after becoming the airline's first Emirati female captains, marking a historic moment for both the carrier and the UAE aviation sector. Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri have officially received their fourth stripes this year after years of dedication, training and progression through Emirates' National Cadet Pilot Programme. Both women now command Boeing 777 aircraft, becoming pioneers for a new generation of Emirati women pursuing careers in aviation.

From cadets to captains

Hanan joined Emirates in 2008 through the airline's cadet pilot programme, inspired by a dream she first developed as a teenager. "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," Hanan said. After more than 9,253 flying hours, she now stands among the airline's most accomplished pilots. "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. "The path to command is built over time, and my years as a First Officer prepared me for this moment." Bakhita joined Emirates as a cadet pilot in 2011 and credited mentors and training captains for helping shape her career. "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. "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." Bakhita said one of the most valuable lessons she learned was the importance of passing knowledge on to 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 to support and guide the younger generations beginning their own flying journey," she said. The two captains said the UAE leadership has consistently supported women's advancement across all sectors. "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. Capt. Hassan Alhammadi, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, described the achievement as a significant milestone. "We are immensely proud of Hanan and Bakhita for becoming Emirates' first Emirati female captains, a well-deserved achievement that reflects years of dedication, professionalism, and hard work," he said. He added that the achievement demonstrates Emirates' ability to develop Emirati talent from entry-level positions to senior leadership roles. The milestone comes as the UAE continues expanding opportunities for women across aviation, aerospace, engineering and other traditionally male-dominated industries. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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