From Cadet Pilots to Commanders: The Inspiring Journey of Emirates’ First Two Female Emirati Captains
Dubai: At an altitude of 39,000 feet, Captain Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Captain Bakhita Al Mheiri experience the thrill of flying, witnessing sunrises and traversing new countries daily. Both women are among the first female Emirati captains at Emirates Airlines, having transformed their dreams into reality through dedication and training.
Their journey began in the Emirates Cadet Pilot Programme, which has been instrumental in shaping their careers. Captain Hanan and Captain Bakhita reflect on how the support of the UAE’s leadership has played a crucial role in their success.
The Dream Takes Flight
Captain Hanan recalls a pivotal moment from her childhood when her father brought home a photograph of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in the cockpit of a fighter aircraft. This image left a lasting impression on her. However, it was the sight of Captain Aysha Al Hameli, the first Emirati female pilot, on television that truly ignited her passion for aviation. At just 14 years old, she felt inspired, saying, “She’s a woman and she’s a pilot. She has done it … I would love to be like her. This is my dream.”
In contrast, Captain Bakhita found her inspiration in a classroom setting. A visit from representatives of the National Cadet Pilot Programme at her school when she was 16 turned her fascination with aviation into a tangible career aspiration. She recognized that the programme could help her achieve her dreams.
Training Future Commanders
Captain Hanan joined the Emirates Cadet Pilot Programme in 2008, followed by Captain Bakhita in 2011. Both captains emphasize that the programme offered more than just flight training. Captain Hanan highlights the importance of the intensive training and mentorship she received, stating, “From each flight I took something from them. That was the most important thing.”
Captain Bakhita adds that their training extended beyond piloting skills. She notes, “We were never trained just to become pilots. We were trained to become future commanders. They gave us the tools, the knowledge, and the exceptional support for us to be where we are today.”
Always Learning, Always Growing
The commitment to continuous learning is a hallmark of both captains’ careers. Captain Hanan actively seeks new challenges to remain in a “learning space.” Recently, she took up skiing, acknowledging her status as a beginner. She believes that maintaining a learner’s mindset allows her to effectively incorporate feedback from her flights, stating, “I’ve never felt like I reached the end. So, whenever I receive feedback, I try to work on it.”
Carrying the UAE Flag
Earning the prestigious fourth stripe represents more than a personal achievement for both captains; it symbolizes the investment made by the UAE’s leaders in nurturing national talent. Captain Bakhita remarks on the vision of the nation, stating, “Our leaders, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, paved the way for us to be here.”
She expresses her desire to inspire the next generation, saying, “This support is something that I am honoured to take on board, and I will gladly pass it on to the younger generations. The doors are always open for them to ask questions, and I would happily answer every question they ask.”
Captain Hanan, reflecting on her journey, recognizes her role as a source of inspiration for young girls today. She encourages them with a straightforward message: “If you are a young girl and you have a goal, stick to it. Work hard for it. Give your all. Don’t let fear change your decisions. Like His Highness Sheikh Mohammed says, impossible is not in our dictionaries.”
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-06-30 17:05:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk