Emirates Airlines has announced the promotion of the first two Emirati women to the rank of Captain Pilot, reflecting the airline’s commitment to supporting Emirati women and enhancing their roles in aviation. This significant event has inspired more women to enter this prestigious field, as Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al-Muhairi proudly become the first Emirati women to hold this esteemed rank on Boeing 777 aircraft.
A Historic Achievement in the Aviation Sector
Emirates Airlines has promoted Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al-Muhairi to the rank of Captain Pilot, noting that this achievement comes after a journey filled with effort and dedication. Hanan began her career in 2008 as part of the pilot training and qualification program, where her dream since childhood was to soar through the skies. With the support of the operations teams and fleet management, she successfully achieved this prestigious goal.
Bakhita joined Emirates Airlines in 2011, inspired by the successes of her colleagues, and pursued her professional advancement with seriousness and professionalism. Each of them sought to develop their skills and climb to the top, resulting in this historic achievement.
The Journey of Hanan and Bakhita
Hanan has achieved a remarkable milestone with over 9,253 flight hours, reflecting her extensive experience in the cockpit. Commenting on her promotion, she said, “When I was fourteen, I watched the first Emirati female Captain Pilot on television, and her confidence and presence inspired me. From that moment, my only dream was to become a Captain Pilot.”
Bakhita emphasized the supportive role she received throughout her journey, stating that “the guidance and supervision from training leaders had a significant impact on developing my technical and leadership skills.” The dream is now a reality, and Bakhita encouraged the new generation to pursue their ambitions in the world of aviation.
An Inspiring Message for the New Generation
Both Hanan and Bakhita sent a powerful message to Emirati women, affirming that self-belief and hard work are the keys to success. Hanan stated, “Receiving the fourth stripe is an achievement I cherish deeply, but this is just the beginning.”
She also added that working in a supportive environment like Emirates Airlines greatly contributes to empowering women and paving the way for them to achieve their ambitions. She pointed out that with proper guidance and available opportunities, all Emirati women can reach leadership positions in various fields.
The Role of Emirates Airlines in Empowering National Talent
Captain Hassan Al-Hammadi, Senior Vice President of Emirates Airlines for Air Operations, stated, “Emirates Airlines has been committed for years to developing national talent and enabling them to contribute effectively in various areas of our operations.” This commitment was accompanied by the launch of the Emirati Pilot Training and Qualification Program in 1993, aimed at qualifying Emirati pilots and providing them with full support throughout their professional journeys.
This program is one of the most important initiatives supporting the UAE’s ambitious vision to enhance women’s participation in all sectors, including aviation. Emirates Airlines continues to provide the necessary opportunities and guidance to empower female pilots to become the leaders of the future.
Thus, Emirates Airlines is witnessing a genuine transformation in supporting Emirati women through promotions and qualifications, and this achievement represents an important step toward ensuring a bright future for women in the aviation sector.