'Father-daughter duo': Arkia announces first female captain in airline's history

Arkia has appointed Adar Madutzky as its first female captain, a historic milestone for the airline. In a concurrent ceremony, Idan Bahbut was also unveiled as a new captain. Madutzky's appointment is particularly notable as she joins her father, Tal Madutzky, an Embraer fleet captain at Arkia, making them the first father-daughter captain pair to fly simultaneously for the company.

“

This is an exciting day for Arkia.

Tal Madutzky has been a pilot with Arkia for the past 15 years. Captain Yotam Galaon, Arkia's vice president of operations, celebrated the achievement, stating, "Becoming a captain is a significant milestone in every pilot’s professional career." He congratulated both Idan and Adar on their dedication and accomplishments.

“

Becoming a captain is a significant milestone in every pilot’s professional career, and I congratulate Idan and Adar on their long journey, dedication, and achievement.

Galaon specifically highlighted Adar's story as "particularly moving," emphasizing the unique aspect of a father and daughter serving as captains at the same airline. He described the Madutzky family as embodying the "exact combination we value at Arkia: people, family, Israeli spirit and professionalism." Adar and Bahbut will operate Arkia’s Airbus A320/321 fleet.

“

Adar’s story is particularly moving: a father and daughter serving as captains at the same airline, and a family story connected to generations of Israeli enterprise.