In an era when the aviation sector is focused on becoming more inclusive and diverse, Captain Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Captain Bakhita Al Mheiri are redefining what leadership is in the cockpit. Together, they have become the first female Emirati Captains at Emirates, the world’s largest international airline.

This achievement not only demonstrates their grit, resilience and tenacity, but also underscores Emirates’ commitment to developing local talent while advancing opportunities for women in aviation through its National Cadet Pilot Programme (NCPP).

A fully sponsored employment pathway programme that covers the cost of training for at least four years, the NCPP was a takeoff point for both women’s careers, with Captain Jawad joining as a cadet in 2008 and Captain Al Mheiri in 2011.

Receiving comprehensive flight training at Emirates’ Flight Training Academy, both women ultimately became type rated on the Boeing 777, emerging from the programme as First Officers for Emirates.

After accumulating the necessary flight hours, they officially received their fourth stripe this year, becoming the first Emirati female captains at the airline, both operating the 777.

Captain Jawad’s journey to the flight deck began much earlier, at just fourteen years old when she was inspired to become a pilot by Aysha Al Hameli, the first female UAE pilot. That moment became a full-circle experience when she eventually became a pilot herself and inspired a new generation of young girls in the UAE and globally.

“The biggest lesson throughout my career, especially after becoming a captain, is that it is more than just the flight hours. It is about understanding leadership,” Captain Jawad tells Runway Girl Network.

She stresses the importance of discipline and resilience. “Pilot training can be demanding, both physically and mentally. Each mistake seems significant as aviation has such a high standard for safety. But as my career progressed, the challenges were more on leading a flight than just flying the aircraft,” she explains.

“And what has helped me overcome these challenges has been staying consistent, continuous learning and always being ready to receive feedback for improvement.”

Mentorship from exceptional instructors and leaders at Emirates played a key role in shaping Captain Al Mheiri’s career, helping her grow her professional skills.

“One person cannot have all the answers for you. Some helped me build resilience, some with adaptability and I have learned from them all,” she confides to RGN.

When it comes to her responsibilities in commanding an aircraft, she holds a similar view to Captain Jawad, saying: “When you shift from being a First Officer to a Captain, your priorities change.

“You are no longer just thinking, how am I going to fly this aircraft? Instead, you are focused on your aircraft, your passengers and your crew. This is because every flight is different. Even if the routes are the same, your crew is not, neither are your passengers nor the weather. And the goal to always be achieved is safety.”

She also strongly applauds the leadership examples set by UAE leaders, particularly the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as Ruler of Dubai; and Emirates chairman and CEO High Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and for their dedication to empowering Emiratis and creating opportunities for women to thrive in the aviation industry.

“They opened the doors for us and gave us the tools so we can all achieve our goals and be where we want to be,” says Captain Al Mheiri.

The journeys of Captain Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Captain Bakhita Al Mheiri provide a perfect illustration of how continued investment in young talent over time through initiatives like the National Cadet Pilot Programme can build a sustainable aviation workforce and create a pipeline of pilots, engineers and leaders for the aviation industry.

The NCPP says it is “looking for young and ambitious Emiratis with the passion and commitment to join our National Cadet Pilot Programme and train to become world-class pilots at the Emirates Flight Training Academy in Dubai.”

Admission is solely based on merit and individual capability. A representative with NCPP tells us that the recruitment process is unbiased and encourages aspiring pilots to “be dedicated, focused, resilient and to hold up the best work all throughout this application process.”

For any young girls hoping to become pilots one day, Captain Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Captain Bakhita Al Mheiri offer important advice: “believe in yourself, work hard, stay focused, rise above challenges and never give up.”

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All images credited to Emirates