Emirates Elevates First Emirati Female Captains on Boeing 777

In a landmark achievement for aviation, Emirates has promoted two trailblazing Emirati female pilots, Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri, to the rank of captain, making them the first women to hold this position within the airline, specifically for its Boeing 777 operations.

This milestone underscores Emirates’ commitment to fostering Emirati women's empowerment and cultivating local talent through its National Cadet Pilot Programme (NCPP), which has been nurturing Emirati pilots since its inception in 1993.

Hanan Mohammed Jawad joined the airline in 2008 through the NCPP. Her enduring passion for aviation propelled her forward through the ranks, bolstered by the comprehensive training and fleet management efforts of Emirates. Throughout her career, she has amassed 9,253 flight hours.

Reflecting on her advancement, Hanan revealed that her ambition was ignited at the age of 14 upon seeing the UAE’s first female pilot on television. While she regards receiving her captain’s fourth stripe as an incredible honor, she believes it marks just the beginning of her journey. Her extensive experience as a First Officer has equipped her for the responsibilities of leading a flight crew.

Hanan shared insights into her personal development over the years, highlighting activities like skiing, yoga, Pilates, and reformer training to enhance her focus and balance—qualities she believes are essential for her captaincy.

Bakhita Al Mheiri embarked on her aviation journey with Emirates in 2011 as a cadet pilot. The successes of Emirati women in aviation inspired her to reach commendable career milestones, leading to her captaincy.

Looking back at her path, Bakhita credited the mentorship she received from Emirates' training personnel and aviation leaders, noting it greatly enhanced her technical skills and leadership capabilities. She expressed her commitment to mentoring upcoming generations of pilots entering the field.

In a united message to prospective female pilots, Hanan and Bakhita remarked that the UAE’s leadership acknowledges the pivotal role women play in shaping the country's future. They noted Emirates' continual efforts to create pathways for women to thrive in the aviation sector.

Capt Hassan Alhammadi, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, lauded both pilots for their accomplishments. He reaffirmed the airline's dedication to developing Emirati talent through structured training and growth opportunities. He described Hanan and Bakhita’s rise as a testament to years of commitment, professionalism, and the capability of Emirates in nurturing national talent from foundational roles to leadership capacities.

Launched in 1993, the National Cadet Pilot Programme by Emirates is a fully-funded initiative aimed at training Emirati pilots. Its graduates have advanced to become captains, training personnel, and leaders in the aviation field throughout the UAE. The program encompasses cutting-edge training via the Emirates Flight Training Academy and state-of-the-art pilot training facilities, preparing cadets for enduring careers in commercial aviation.

The promotions of Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri not only signify a historic moment for Emirates but also represent a significant leap forward for women in aviation, inspiring future generations of Emirati pilots to aim for success in the skies.