Captains Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri achieve historic milestones, taking command of the airline’s Boeing 777 fleet.
DUBAI — In a landmark moment for regional and global aviation, Emirates airline has officially promoted pilots Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri to the rank of Captain. The promotions mark a historic milestone, making them the first-ever Emirati women to achieve the prestigious fourth stripe at the Dubai-based international carrier. Both captains are currently deployed on the airline’s extensive Boeing 777 fleet.
The historic advancement of Captain Hanan and Captain Bakhita highlights the success of the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme (NCPP), a dedicated initiative designed to nurture national talent and integrate UAE nationals into the core of the global commercial aviation workforce.
Decades of Dedication and Flight Hours
Captain Hanan Mohammed Jawad began her journey with Emirates in 2008, driven by a childhood dream that ignited when she was just 14 years old. Over nearly two decades, she steadily rose through the ranks, accumulating an impressive 9,253 flying hours.
“When I was 14, I saw the UAE’s first female pilot on TV and was struck by her confidence and presence,” Captain Hanan recalled. “Receiving my fourth stripe is a proud milestone, but I don’t see it as the destination. This is just the beginning… The path to command is built over time, and my years as a First Officer prepared me for this moment.”
Beyond the cockpit, Captain Hanan attributes her professional clarity and discipline to a balanced lifestyle, transitioning from intense physical training to mindfulness practices such as aerial yoga and Pilates, which support the high-stakes demands of her role.
Mentorship and Passing the Torch
Captain Bakhita Al Mheiri joined the Emirates cadet programme in 2011, similarly inspired by the trailblazing Emirati women who preceded her. Her progression through the ranks was heavily supported by the airline’s structured mentorship and leadership frameworks.
Reflecting on her promotion, Captain Bakhita emphasized the profound impact of her training captains and leaders:
“Their experience and professionalism not only strengthened my technical and leadership skills but also shaped me personally,” she stated. “With the opportunity and responsibility I have been given as a captain, I hope to carry forward the same values and mentorship… and to support and guide the younger generations beginning their own flying journey.”
Both captains issued a joint message encouraging aspiring female aviators, noting that the UAE leadership has long recognized women as essential partners in nation-building, with Emirates providing the necessary environment to thrive.
Corporate Commitment to Emirati Talent
The promotions underscore Emirates’ long-term corporate strategy to cultivate local talent for senior operational roles. Speaking on the achievement, Captain Hassan Alhammadi, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, expressed the airline’s pride.
“We are immensely proud of Hanan and Bakhita for becoming Emirates’ first Emirati female captains,” Captain Alhammadi said. “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.”
Context: The National Cadet Pilot Programme (NCPP)
Launched in 1993, the NCPP is a fully funded initiative by the Emirates Group aimed at training the next generation of UAE national aviators. Operating out of the state-of-the-art Emirates Flight Training Academy, the programme combines rigorous foundational theory with advanced flight simulation and hands-on training. Over the years, the initiative has produced numerous captains, training pilots, and senior industry leaders, cementing the UAE’s position as a hub for aviation excellence.
