On 4 June 2026, Emirates (EK), the carrier that announced that it had recycled almost 90,000 kg of plastic from in-flight dining, announced the promotion of Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri to the rank of captain, making them the first Emirati women to command an aircraft in the airline’s four-decade history. Both pilots, based at Dubai International Airport (DXB), now operate the carrier’s Boeing 777 fleet after advancing through the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme (NCPP), a fully funded initiative launched in 1993. The promotions mark what the airline describes as a “pivotal step forward in its commitment to empowering Emirati women in aviation.”
The announcement carries weight beyond a single airline milestone. It arrives at a time when women constitute fewer than five percent of pilots globally, according to data compiled by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and when the UAE aviation sector simultaneously employs over 27,000 women — representing 42 percent of its total aviation workforce. That these two Emirati women now hold command authority over one of the world’s most capable long-haul widebodies signals a structural shift, not simply a symbolic gesture.
Hanan Mohammed Jawad: Over 9,000 Hours and a Childhood Dream Fulfilled
Hanan Mohammed Jawad joined Emirates in 2008 through the National Cadet Pilot Programme, driven by ambition, passion, and a lifelong dream of taking to the skies. With sustained mentorship from the airline’s fleet management, she steadily progressed through junior ranks, accumulating flight time and building command-readiness across years of line operations.
Hanan has logged 9,253 flying hours over the course of her career — a figure that underscores the rigour of a path that spans nearly two decades. The origin of her ambition is disarmingly specific: at the age of 14, she watched the UAE’s first female pilot appear on television and was transfixed by the pilot’s bearing.
In an Emirates press release, Hanan recalled that her ambition to become a pilot began when she was 14. Seeing the UAE’s first female pilot on television left a strong impression on her and inspired her to pursue aviation as a career.
Her promotion to Captain marks an important career milestone, but Hanan views it as the start of a new chapter rather than the end goal. She credited her years as a First Officer with giving her the experience and preparation needed to take on the responsibilities of command.
Hanan also highlighted the importance of maintaining balance alongside professional development. Her interests have evolved over the years, from drawing and reading to activities such as skiing, yoga, aerial yoga and Pilates. She said these pursuits help strengthen the focus, discipline and composure required in the cockpit.
Bakhita Al Mheiri: A Decade of Milestones Culminating in Command
Bakhita Al Mheiri entered the Emirates National Cadet Pilot Programme in 2011, inspired by successful Emirati female pilots who had already begun carving paths in the industry. Over the following decade and a half, she built a record within the airline’s flight operations division, advancing from cadet to First Officer to — in 2026 — captain.
Her path reflects a combination of technical advancement and the institutional support that the NCPP structures into its multi-year curriculum. Bakhita progressed steadily from her cadet entry through successive milestones, arriving at the fourth stripe in the same year as Hanan — making their dual promotion a defining moment rather than a solitary one.
Bakhita said mentorship from Emirates’ training captains and senior leaders played an important role in shaping her career. Their guidance helped strengthen her technical and leadership abilities while also reinforcing the importance of discipline, responsibility and continuous learning.
Now that she has reached command, Bakhita sees an opportunity to give back by sharing the knowledge and experience she has gained. She hopes to mentor younger pilots and help the next generation build their careers while contributing to the future of aviation in the UAE.
Emirates’ Institutional Voice Behind the Milestone
Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, Captain Hassan Alhammadi, said the airline’s cadet pilot programme remains central to developing Emirati aviation talent. He noted that the scheme provides young UAE nationals with a pathway into commercial aviation while helping Emirates meet its long-term pilot requirements.
Alhammadi also praised Hanan and Bakhita for becoming the airline’s first Emirati female captains, describing their achievement as the result of years of dedication and professional development. Their progression, he said, demonstrates how Emirates can develop local talent from entry-level positions into senior leadership roles.
Alhammadi has also previously highlighted Emirates’ focus on operational safety and advanced flight technology, including the airline’s adoption of IATA’s Turbulence Aware integration platform.
Hanan and Bakhita also encouraged aspiring female pilots, stressing that women have an important role in the UAE’s future and that creating opportunities for them in aviation can help inspire and support the next generation.
Emirates Pilots’ Message to the Next Generation
Both captains used their promotions as a platform to address those who might follow. Their joint statement carries the weight of institutional backing and personal experience in equal measure:
“Our leadership has long recognised women as essential partners in shaping our nation’s future, and Emirates is creating the environment and opportunities for women to thrive, and we will continue to build on this for future generations.”
The Dubai Media Office marked the occasion on 4 June 2026 with a formal post confirming both captains’ new status on the Boeing 777 fleet, amplifying the announcement across official UAE government channels. For young Emirati women considering careers in commercial aviation, the significance of that visibility — captains who look like them, flying widebody jets over six continents — is difficult to overstate.
The NCPP remains open for applications through the Emirates Group Careers portal, and the programme’s track record — from the 52 NCPP graduates at EFTA’s December 2025 ceremony through to the first Emirati female captains in 2026 — makes the most compelling case yet for its efficacy.
