Emirates first: Two Emirati female pilots promoted as captains

Monday, 8 June 2026 02:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri

Emirates has promoted two accomplished Emirati female pilots to captains, marking a pivotal step forward in its commitment to empowering Emirati women in aviation.

Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri both rose through the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Program, an initiative that has graduated numerous Emirati pilots, the airline said.

Hanan Mohammed Jawad joined Emirates in 2008 through the cadet pilot program, driven by ambition, passion, and a lifelong dream of taking to the skies. With strong mentorship and continued support from the airline’s fleet management, she steadily progressed through the ranks, building her career from the ground up.

Bakhita Al Mheiri began her journey with Emirates as a cadet pilot in 2011. Inspired by successful Emirati female pilots and driven by her passion for flying, Bakhita continued to achieve one milestone after another, building a strong and successful career with Emirates.

Hanan and Bakhita have both officially received their fourth stripe this year, becoming the first Emirati female captains at Emirates, both operating the Boeing 777 fleet. With many years of experience in their respective careers, they both reflect a determination as strong as ever, and their ambitions continue to reach new heights, it said.