Arkia announced on Monday that Adar Madutzky was appointed as the first female captain in the airline's history, in a ceremony where Idan Bahbut was also unveiled as a new captain.

Madutzky joins her father, Tal, as captain, and with the appointment, the duo becomes the first father-daughter pair to fly simultaneously for Arkia.

Tal has been flying with Arkia for the last 15 years and currently works in the airline’s Embraer fleet, the company said.

A family connected with Arkia through generations

“This is an exciting day for Arkia," said Captain Yotam Galaon, Arkia’s vice president of operations.

"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," he said

"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," he added.

Airbus A321 aircraft, Arkia.
Airbus A321 aircraft, Arkia. (credit: PR)

Galaon also pointed out that the Madutzky family is the "exact combination we value at Arkia: people, family, Israeli spirit and professionalism."

Adar and Bahbut will be joining the team of captains operating Arkia’s Airbus A320/321 fleet, the company added in a statement.