Emirates has promoted its first two Emirati female pilots to the rank of captain, marking a milestone for the airline and highlighting efforts to increase the representation of women in the aviation sector.

The Dubai-based carrier announced on Thursday that Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri had officially received their fourth stripes this year, becoming the first Emirati women to serve as captains at Emirates. Both pilots currently operate the airline's Boeing 777 fleet.

The promotions come as Emirates continues to expand programmes aimed at developing Emirati talent and strengthening the participation of women in aviation, an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated.

Hanan joined Emirates in 2008 through the airline's National Cadet Pilot Programme (NCPP), while Bakhita entered the programme in 2011. Both advanced through the ranks after years of service as first officers before assuming command responsibilities.

According to Emirates, Hanan has accumulated more than 9,250 flying hours during her career. Reflecting on her achievement, she said her ambition to become a pilot began at the age of 14 after seeing the UAE's first female pilot on television.

"Receiving my fourth stripe is a proud milestone, but I don't see it as the destination. This is just the beginning," she said.

Bakhita credited the mentorship and guidance she received throughout her training and professional development for helping shape her career. She said she hoped to pass on her experience to future generations of Emirati pilots.

"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," the two captains said in a joint message to aspiring female aviators.

Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President for Flight Operations, Capt Hassan Alhammadi, described the appointments as a significant achievement for both the pilots and the airline.

"We are immensely proud of Hanan and Bakhita for becoming Emirates' first Emirati female captains, a well-deserved achievement that reflects years of dedication, professionalism, and hard work," he said.

The airline said the promotions demonstrate the effectiveness of its National Cadet Pilot Programme, a fully funded initiative launched in 1993 to train Emirati commercial pilots. Graduates of the programme have gone on to serve as captains, instructors and senior aviation executives within Emirates and across the United Arab Emirates.

The programme provides flight training through the Emirates Flight Training Academy and includes access to the airline's pilot training facilities, combining classroom instruction with practical flight experience.

The announcement reflects broader efforts by the Emirates Group to build a sustainable national workforce through its Emiratisation strategy, which focuses on training, leadership development and career progression for UAE nationals.

Industry observers say the promotion of the airline's first Emirati female captains could encourage greater participation of women in aviation careers across the Gulf region, where airlines and governments have increasingly invested in developing local talent.

Emirates said it would continue expanding opportunities for Emirati men and women through programmes designed to meet the airline's future pilot requirements while supporting the UAE's long-term economic and workforce development goals.

Source: Emirates PR