Emirates has reached a historic milestone in its flight operations division by promoting the first two Emirati female pilots to the rank of captain. Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri are now operating the Boeing 777 fleet after successfully completing the airline’s internal advancement requirements.
Both pilots entered the carrier through the National Cadet Pilot Program, a strategic initiative designed to develop local talent for commercial flight roles. Captain Jawad joined the airline in 2008, followed by Captain Al Mheiri in 2011. Their progression to the left seat highlights the effectiveness of the program in building a sustainable domestic pilot pipeline.
According to Emirates, these appointments reflect a broader effort to expand the role of UAE nationals within the aviation sector. Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, Captain Hassan Alhammadi, noted that the cadet program remains a vital resource for meeting future personnel requirements. By mentoring new entrants, the airline aims to maintain a steady influx of qualified crew members. This development signals a continued focus on long-term human capital investment, ensuring that regional operators can cultivate leadership roles from within their own ranks.