Emirates has promoted its first Emirati female captains, inspiring the next generation of women in aviation.
Hanan Mohammed Jawad (pictured below) and Bakhita Al Mheiri (main image) both rose through the airline’s National Cadet Pilot Programme (NCPP), an initiative that has graduated numerous Emirati pilots.
Driven by ambition, passion and a lifelong dream of taking to the skies, Hanan Mohammed Jawad joined Emirates in 2008.
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 has built a strong and successful career with the airline.
Hanan and Bakhita have both officially received their fourth stripe this year, both operating the Boeing 777 fleet.
“When I was 14, I saw the UAE’s first female pilot on TV and was struck by her confidence and presence. From that point on, all I wanted was to become a pilot,” said Hanan.
“Receiving my fourth stripe is a proud milestone, but I don’t see it as the destination. This is just the beginning, I don’t believe the sky is the limit. The path to command is built over time and my years as a First Officer prepared me for this moment.”
“With the opportunity and responsibility I have been given as a captain, I hope to carry forward the same values and mentorship that were invested in me and to support and guide the younger generations beginning their own flying journey, so they too can continue contributing to the future and success of the UAE,” commented Bakhita.
Launched in 1993, the NCPP offers comprehensive flight training at Emirates’ Flight Training Academy, combining world-class instruction, advanced technology and rigorous safety standards.
“The cadet pilot programme remains vital in providing a path to young men and women to pursue professions as commercial pilots at Emirates, supporting our future pilot requirements,” said Capt Hassan Alhammadi, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Flight Operations.
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