Meet Emirates' first Emirati female captains

Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri have become Emirate's first Emirati female captains after being promoted, marking a major milestone in the country's aviation history.

They will now operate the Boeing 777 fleet, after receiving their fourth stripe this year.

Hanan and Bakhita both rose through the Emirates Group's National Cadet Pilot Programme, an initiative that has graduated numerous Emirati pilots.

Hanan joined Emirates in 2008 through the cadet pilot programme and build her career from the ground up through ambition, passion and a lifelong dream of taking to the skies. She has accumulated a total of 9,253 flying hours throughout her journey as a pilot.

"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," Hanan said.

"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."

Bakhita 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.

“One of the most meaningful lessons I gained throughout this journey was the importance of passing knowledge and experience forward. 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.”