Emirates has reached a historic milestone by promoting its first two Emirati female pilots to the rank of captain. The Dubai-based airline announced that Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri have officially earned their fourth stripes and will now command the carrier’s Boeing 777 fleet.
Captain Hanan Mohammed Jawad joined Emirates in 2008 through the National Cadet Pilot Programme (NCPP). Since then, she has logged more than 9,250 flight hours and steadily advanced through the airline’s pilot ranks. Hanan has often spoken about being inspired at the age of 14 after seeing one of the UAE’s first female pilots on television, a moment that motivated her to pursue a career in aviation.
Captain Bakhita Al Mheiri began her journey with Emirates as a cadet pilot in 2011. After spending more than a decade gaining experience and serving as a First Officer, she has now achieved the rank of captain. Her promotion highlights the growing role of Emirati women in commercial aviation and reflects Emirates’ continued investment in developing local aviation talent.
Although Emirates has employed female captains from around the world for many years, Hanan and Bakhita are the first Emirati nationals to achieve the rank at the airline. Their promotion marks an important chapter for both Emirates and the UAE aviation industry, serving as an inspiration for future generations of aspiring pilots across the country.