A significant new chapter has begun for women in aviation within the UAE. Emirates has proudly announced the promotion of Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri to the rank of Captain, marking a historic milestone as the airline’s first Emirati female pilots to reach this prestigious position.
Both captains are shining examples of the success of the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme. Hanan, who joined in 2008, and Bakhita, who started in 2011, have spent over a decade honing their skills, logging thousands of flight hours, and demonstrating unwavering dedication. Today, they both command the impressive Boeing 777 fleet.
For Hanan, who was inspired by seeing a female pilot on television at age 14, this fourth stripe is merely the beginning. “I don’t believe the sky is the limit,” she reflects. Similarly, Bakhita credits the mentorship she received for her growth, emphasizing the importance of passing that knowledge forward to the next generation.
This achievement is a testament to the talent fostered within the UAE and Emirates’ commitment to empowering women in aviation. As these two trailblazers take to the flight deck,
