Emirates has announced the promotion of two Emirati pilots to the rank of captain, a qualitative step reflecting the airline's firm commitment to empowering Emirati women and strengthening their presence in aviation. Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Muhairi have become the first Emirati women to hold the rank of captain at Emirates, on Boeing 777 aircraft, after distinguished careers that began through Emirates' National Cadet Pilot Program, which has produced many Emirati aviation professionals.
Hanan Mohammed Jawad joined Emirates in 2008 through the cadet pilot program, driven by her passion for aviation and her childhood dream of flying. With continuous support and guidance from the airline's operations and fleet management teams, she progressed steadily in her career until reaching this achievement.
Bakhita Al Muhairi began her journey with Emirates in 2011 through the National Cadet Pilot Program, inspired by the successes of the Emirati women pilots who came before her and driven by her great passion for aviation, achieving one career milestone after another in a distinguished career with the airline.
Hanan and Bakhita officially received their fourth stripe this year, a historic achievement embodying years of commitment, hard work and professional experience, and reflecting Emirates' success in developing national talent and preparing it to reach the highest leadership positions in aviation.
During her career, Hanan has logged more than 9,253 flying hours, reflecting the extensive experience she has gained over years in the cockpit. Commenting on her promotion, Hanan said: "When I was fourteen, I saw the first Emirati woman captain on television, and her confidence and presence inspired me. From that moment on, my only dream was to become a captain."
She added: "Getting the fourth stripe is an achievement I am very proud of, but it is not the end of the road. For me, this is just the beginning; my ambitions have no limits. Reaching the rank of captain is the result of years of experience and learning, and my years as a senior first officer prepared me for this moment."
Hanan also spoke about her professional and personal development during her journey, saying: "People change and grow over time, and that is a strength. As a child I loved drawing and reading; today I make a point of challenging myself in new ways. I recently started skiing and I am still learning, and I am enjoying the experience. I have also come to value balance in my life, moving from intense workouts to training that promotes focus and calm, such as yoga, Pilates and reformer exercises, for their positive effect on the clarity of mind, discipline and mental presence my profession requires."
For her part, Bakhita Al Muhairi said: "My career at Emirates has been greatly influenced by the support and guidance I received from training leaders and senior pilots throughout my career. Their expertise, professionalism and keenness to pass on knowledge helped develop my technical and leadership skills, and they taught me the importance of responsibility, discipline and continuous learning."
She added: "Reaching the rank of captain has always been a goal I have worked toward. One of the most important lessons I learned on this journey is the importance of passing on knowledge and experience to future generations. Today, with the responsibility I carry in my new role, I look forward to supporting and mentoring the new generation of male and female pilots, so that they in turn continue to contribute to the future and success of the UAE."
Hanan and Bakhita sent an inspiring message to the new generation of young Emirati women aspiring to enter the world of aviation, stressing that true ambition begins with believing in oneself and working continuously to achieve dreams, however distant or difficult they may seem.
They added: "Our wise leadership has paid great attention to Emirati women and believed in their pivotal role in development and shaping the future. Emirates continues to provide a supportive environment and quality opportunities that enable women to achieve their ambitions and reach the highest ranks, and we will continue to work to consolidate this approach to inspire and support future generations."
For his part, Captain Hassan Al Hammadi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at Emirates, said: "For years, Emirates has been committed to developing national Emirati talent and enabling it to contribute effectively across our operations. The cadet pilot program continues to play a pivotal role in providing a clear career path for young Emirati men and women wishing to build their future as professional pilots, supporting our efforts to prepare the next generation of pilots and strengthen the sustainability of the national aviation sector."
He added: "We are proud today of what Hanan and Bakhita have achieved as the first Emirati women to hold the rank of captain at Emirates. It is a well-deserved achievement reflecting years of commitment, professionalism and hard work, and confirms the airline's ability to develop national talent and enable it to reach the highest leadership positions in aviation."
The National Cadet Pilot Program
The National Cadet Pilot Program was launched in 1993 as an initiative fully funded by the Emirates Group, and has since graduated many Emirati pilots, including Hanan and Bakhita. Many graduates of the program have gone on to hold senior positions, including captains, flight instructors and senior leadership roles at Emirates and in the UAE aviation sector, reflecting the airline's ability to support the sustainable professional development of national talent and prepare it for long-term careers.
The program offers integrated training at the Emirates Flight Training Academy, combining world-class advanced education, modern technologies and the highest safety and training standards. Trainees go through a comprehensive training journey from basic theoretical study to practical flying experience, with continuous guidance and support at every stage of the program, preparing them to build long professional careers as pilots at Emirates and other airlines. The program also includes advanced training at Emirates' new pilot training center, which provides a modern and advanced training environment supporting the highest levels of readiness and operational efficiency, according to the Emirates website.
