Emirates Makes History as Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri Become First Emirati Female Captains
By Chris
Emirates has promoted **Hanan Mohammed Jawad** and **Bakhita Al Mheiri** to the rank of Captain, making them the airline’s **first Emirati female captains**.
The milestone marks a major moment for [Emirates](https://www.emirates.com/) and the UAE’s aviation sector, highlighting the growing role of Emirati women in flight operations and leadership positions.
Both Hanan and Bakhita have officially received their **fourth stripe** this year and now operate the **Boeing 777 fleet**, according to Emirates. ([Emirates](https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-promotes-its-first-emirati-female-captains-inspiring-the-next-generation-of-women-in-aviation/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**Who are Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri?**
Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri are Emirati pilots who built their careers through the **Emirates Group National Cadet Pilot Programme**.
Hanan joined Emirates in **2008** through the cadet pilot programme. Emirates says she was inspired to become a pilot when she was 14, after seeing the UAE’s first female pilot on TV. She has since accumulated **9,253 flying hours** throughout her aviation career. ([Emirates](https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-promotes-its-first-emirati-female-captains-inspiring-the-next-generation-of-women-in-aviation/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Bakhita Al Mheiri began her Emirates journey as a cadet pilot in **2011**. She was also inspired by successful Emirati female pilots and continued progressing through Emirates’ flight operations division before receiving her captain’s rank. ([Gulf News](https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/meets-emirates-first-emirati-female-captains-1.500564407?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**What does the fourth stripe mean?**
In commercial aviation, the **fourth stripe** on a pilot’s uniform usually represents the rank of Captain.
A Captain is responsible for commanding the aircraft, leading the flight deck crew and making final operational decisions during a flight.
For Hanan and Bakhita, receiving the fourth stripe means they have moved from First Officer to Captain, one of the highest operational roles for airline pilots.
**They will command Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft**
Both captains are operating Emirates’ **Boeing 777 fleet**.
The [Boeing 777](https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/experience/our-fleet/boeing-777/) is one of Emirates’ most important aircraft types, used across the airline’s global network for medium- and long-haul routes.
Operating this wide-body aircraft requires extensive training, experience and technical skill, making their promotion a significant professional achievement.
**A milestone for Emirati women in aviation**
This promotion is important because it reflects the UAE’s wider focus on supporting women in aviation, leadership and technical careers.
Emirates said the achievement reflects years of dedication, professionalism and hard work, while also showing the airline’s ability to develop Emirati talent from entry-level roles to senior operational positions. ([Avio Space](https://aviospace.org/who-are-hanan-mohammed-jawad-and-bakhita-al-mheiri-the-first-emirati-women-pilots-to-command-boeing-777/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The news also adds to the UAE’s growing list of aviation milestones for women, including previous achievements by Emirati female pilots across commercial and military aviation.
**Why the Emirates Cadet Pilot Programme matters**
The Emirates Group National Cadet Pilot Programme has played a major role in training and developing Emirati pilots.
Both Hanan and Bakhita entered Emirates through this pathway, showing how structured aviation training can support long-term career progression.
For young Emiratis, especially women considering aviation careers, their journey shows that the path from cadet pilot to captain is possible with training, mentorship and years of operational experience.
**Why this matters**
Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri’s promotion is more than an airline announcement.
It is a symbolic moment for the UAE’s aviation industry, Emiratisation efforts and women’s representation in high-skill technical careers.
For young women in the UAE, their achievement sends a strong message: careers in the cockpit, engineering, aviation operations and leadership are possible.
As Emirates continues to grow globally, the appointment of its first Emirati female captains shows how local talent is helping shape the future of one of the world’s biggest airlines.
**Source Credits**
Information source/resource owners: Emirates, Gulf News, Gulf Business, Dubai Media Office, Emirates News Agency, TradeArabia.
**Image Credits**
Image credit/resource owners: Emirates, Gulf News, The National, Emirates 24|7.