Emirates First Emirati Female Captains Achieve Historic Milestone in Aviation
Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri have made history as the first Emirati female captains at Emirates airline, based in Dubai. This significant achievement marks a breakthrough in the UAE aviation industry, highlighting the growing representation of women in commercial aviation.
From Cadets to Captains
Both Hanan and Bakhita commenced their aviation journeys through the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme, a fully funded initiative that has successfully trained generations of Emirati pilots since its inception in 1993. Hanan joined Emirates in 2008 as a cadet pilot, driven by her lifelong aspiration to fly. Over the years, she progressed through various roles, supported by mentors and airline leadership, ultimately attaining one of the highest positions in commercial aviation.
Bakhita entered the programme in 2011, inspired by trailblazing Emirati women in aviation. Her passion for flying and determination to succeed propelled her career forward, allowing her to achieve consistent milestones. Their promotions reflect the effectiveness of Emirates’ talent development strategy, which facilitates the advancement of Emiratis from entry-level positions to leadership roles within the airline.
Inspired by a Childhood Dream
Hanan’s journey to becoming a captain began at the age of 14 when she was inspired by watching the UAE’s first female pilot on television. She expressed that witnessing the pilot’s confidence ignited her ambition to pursue a career in aviation. Despite reaching a prestigious milestone, Hanan views her promotion as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint. She stated, “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.”
Growth Beyond the Cockpit
Hanan has reflected on how her personal interests have evolved alongside her career. With over 9,253 flying hours, she emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. While she enjoyed drawing and reading in her youth, she now challenges herself with activities such as skiing, aerial yoga, Pilates, and reformer training, which she believes enhance her focus, discipline, and mental clarity—qualities essential for her role as a captain.
The Power of Mentorship
Bakhita has credited mentorship as a vital component in her professional development and leadership style. She acknowledged the support from Emirates’ training captains and senior leaders, which helped her enhance her technical skills while instilling lessons about responsibility and discipline. Bakhita emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge with future generations, stating, “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.”
Inspiring Future Generations
The newly appointed captains have expressed a message of encouragement for aspiring female pilots in the UAE and beyond. They highlighted the role of the country’s leadership in fostering an environment where women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields. They stated, “Our leadership has long recognized women as essential partners in shaping our nation’s future, and Emirates is creating the environment and opportunities for women to thrive.” Both captains are confident that future generations of women will continue to build on these achievements and contribute to the aviation sector’s growth.
Emirates Celebrates Achievement
Capt Hassan Alhammadi, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, praised Hanan and Bakhita for their accomplishments and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to developing UAE nationals. He remarked, “We are immensely proud of Hanan and Bakhita for becoming Emirates’ first Emirati female captains. 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 also noted that the National Cadet Pilot Programme remains a crucial pathway for young Emirati men and women seeking careers in commercial aviation, supporting Emirates’ future pilot requirements.
This milestone not only celebrates the remarkable careers of Hanan and Bakhita but also signifies a new chapter for women in aviation, inspiring future generations to pursue their ambitions and reach new heights in the industry.
Source: timesofdubai.ae
Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-06-06 15:26:00 • By the Editorial Desk
