Two Emirati women reach captain rank in historic Emirates promotion

Emirates has promoted two Emirati women to captain, making Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri the first Emirati female captains in the airline's history.

Both pilots received their fourth stripe in 2026 and now command Boeing 777 aircraft. They advanced through the Emirates Group's National Cadet Pilot Program, which has produced a pipeline of homegrown Emirati aviators since its launch.

Who are the first Emirati female captains at Emirates?

Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri are the first Emirati women to reach captain rank at Emirates. Jawad joined the National Cadet Pilot Program in 2008, while Al Mheiri followed in 2011.

Both now command the Boeing 777 fleet, with Jawad having logged 9,253 flying hours across her career.

How did Hanan Mohammed Jawad become an Emirates captain?

Jawad joined the cadet program after deciding at age 14 to pursue aviation, inspired by watching the UAE's first female pilot on television.

She progressed through successive ranks over more than a decade, supported by training captains and fleet management teams. Receiving her fourth stripe, she described the promotion as progression rather than an endpoint.

"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," she said.

Jawad also reflected on personal development alongside her career growth, saying she has moved from intense gym training toward practices that build focus and calm, including yoga, aerial yoga, Pilates and reformer work. "They support the clarity and presence my role demands," she said.

How did Bakhita Al Mheiri reach the rank of captain?

Al Mheiri entered the cadet program in 2011, inspired by earlier Emirati female pilots, and worked through the airline's structured training system before her promotion. She credited mentorship from training captains and leaders throughout her flying and command journey as central to her development. "Their experience and professionalism strengthened my technical and leadership skills," she said.

Al Mheiri said her promotion comes with a responsibility to pass on the same guidance she received. "I want to support and guide younger pilots so they can continue contributing to the future and success of the UAE," she said.

What does the milestone mean for women in UAE aviation?

Both captains said institutional support within the UAE has enabled greater participation by women across aviation and other sectors. "Our leadership has long recognized women as essential partners in shaping the nation's future," they said.

Their promotions add to a series of firsts for Emirati women in commercial aviation in recent years.