These roles span every facet, function and operations across Emirates, the world’s most profitable and largest international airline, and dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider. Hundreds of new recruits are required across some roles, including cabin crew, pilots, engineers, commercial and sales teams, customer service, ground handling, catering, IT, HR and finance. dnata is looking to hire more than 4,000 cargo, catering and ground handling specialists.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, said: “The Emirates Group’s people strategy is anchored in Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and our own projected growth and expansion. We’re seeking world-class talent to fuel our bold ambition, redefine the future of aviation, and continue our commitment and culture of innovation and excellence. This is an opportunity for skilled and talented professionals to play a stellar role in our future, our strategy, and our growth story.”

Throughout the year, the Group will be hosting more than 2,100 open days and other talent acquisition events in 150 cities to recruit the best pilots, IT professionals, engineers, and talent for cabin crew roles. This also includes Dubai-based events to engage UAE national students and graduates. For those keen to join the Group, it’s a valuable opportunity to meet experienced recruiters and sometimes passionate long-serving employees in these roles.

Since 2022, the Group has onboarded more than 41,000 talented professionals, including nearly 27,000 in various operational roles, and today has a 121,000-strong workforce.

The Group has always been a top talent magnet and an employer of choice both in the UAE and globally. In the last financial year, the Group received more than 3.7 million applications for roles spanning all its brands and departments, with candidates attracted by its brand power; global reputation; people-first strategy; tax-free salary and top-notch benefits; and its renowned training, development, and recognition programmes.

Talented professionals around the world are drawn to Dubai for any number of reasons – safety, security, economic opportunity, tech-centric ecosystems, future-thinking policies, and for being a vibrant, lifestyle destination.

For Dubai-based employees, benefits at the Emirates Group include profit share eligibility, comprehensive medical and life insurance cover, a whole range of travel benefits including flight tickets – annual leave, service-related, and concessional ones for self, family, wider family and friends – concessional cargo rates, and membership cards that provide discounts at hundreds of retail, hospitality and lifestyle outlets.

Those aspiring to join the Emirates Group can apply for the various roles and keep a lookout for open days and recruitment events worldwide at www.emiratesgroupcareers.com.

The innovative and pioneering crew engagement area was in development for 9 months, and at an investment of AED 3 million, it aims to provide Emirates’ crew with a welcoming area to grab a coffee and snack while finalising inflight reports, seek advice from stakeholders and colleagues, attend workshops on both professional and personal topics, have a consultation at the Beauty Hub, collect documents and devices, or unwind and recharge with colleagues.

The spacious area can accommodate up to 200 crew at a time, with 7 different zones and services and is located on the Ground Floor of the Emirates Group Headquarters in Dubai. Highlighting Emirates’ commitment to employee wellbeing and development, the dedicated zone supports professional growth for valued crew members and aims to promote a sense of community between the crew and other departments.

Take the Tour – Emirates Crew Zone

Emirates Crew Engagement Zone - This open plan, multifunctional area is dedicated to connecting crew with Emirates’ newest initiatives, product launches, in person trainings and workshops. Interactive screens and real-time calendars showcase scheduled events, which crew can book to attend using their phone. Empowering cabin crew to take charge of their own learning journey, there are many activities to choose from, from new menu launches and new service standards to health and fitness workshops. This zone is also a meeting point for tours and visits to other Emirates facilities like Emirates Flight Catering, Bustanica, as well as workshops on topics like Safety, Security and Medical Training.

Emirates One Device Hub - This space offers a seamless technological experience for cabin crew, staffed on a 24/7 basis to assist with questions about Emirates’ One Device programme. Dedicated to simplifying work processes through innovation, the One Device programme leverages Apple products, and Emirates Cabin Crew receive an iPhone or iPad Air configured with custom Emirates apps to improve and streamline passenger service onboard, as well as enhancing the overall crew experience. At the One Device hub, staff can help crew set up their device and troubleshoot any issues.

Emirates Crew Lounge - The Crew Lounge is a space created with relaxation in mind, featuring comfortable lounge seats and tables. Here, the crew can take a moment to recharge, enjoy a coffee, finish their flight reports upon landing, or catch up with colleagues.

Emirates Facilities Distribution Service – Facilities Distribution Service is a one-stop destination for dropping off and collecting documents that crew require like visas and regulatory documents, as well as picking up new devices. The sleek counters are designed for efficiency and ease of access, ensuring that every interaction is smooth, well-organized, and crew focused.

Emirates Crew Computer Zone - The Crew Computer Zone features a zone of new monitors, high-speed internet and comfortable and individual workstations, tailored to support crew’s digital needs, from finishing tasks, to booking personal flights and printing documents.

Emirates Crew Connect Services – At the Crew Connect Services area, Emirates provides customer-centric service and operational support to cabin crew. The team operates on a 24/7 basis, so that the crew community can pose their queries and requests in person, or by phone or email.

Emirates Beauty Hub – The Emirates Beauty Hub was launched in 2023 and now also sits within the new Crew Zone. It is open 5 days a week and offers an immersive experience with an in-house team of consultants and products for sale, cabin crew can book personalised appointments to learn about make-up application, nutrition, fitness, skincare, haircare tips, or attend the complimentary group events and masterclass’ series.

Emirates are actively recruiting cabin crew from around the world. For aspiring Emirates cabin crew, please check www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew for details and open day schedules in your city or country.

EFTA’s flight instructors are eligible to join Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, as a First Officer after completing five years in the training role. After these trainers are trained to fly the world’s largest and all wide-body fleet of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, they can expect to join the airline’s 4,400 strong pilot community – a golden opportunity which is a rarity for the industry.

Capt Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President at EFTA said: “We celebrate our flight instructors – who are among the most experienced and committed in the industry – on this World Teachers’ Day. They are the backbone of the academy and have a significant impact on shaping the personalities and success of our cadets. Not just on technical skills, but our instructors are inspirational mentors and coaches who impart soft skills such as leadership, situational awareness, decision making, adaptability and communication. Flight instructors have the distinction of fostering the next generation of pilots, one of the most highly prized roles in aviation.”

Muhammad Bilal Pasha, First Officer at Emirates is the first-ever flight instructor who transitioned to the airline. He said: “Being a flight instructor at EFTA was more than just teaching – it was about inspiring the next generation of pilots to chase their dreams with passion and resilience. As I now step into my role as a First Officer at Emirates, I carry with me the pride of watching those dreams take flight, knowing the sky is just the beginning. The opportunity for growth provided by EFTA has enabled me to grow my wings in commercial aviation. I will now see the world, thanks to EFTA and Emirates’ vast network.”

Ian Harrington, Deputy Chief Theoretical Knowledge at EFTA said: “At EFTA, we have the unique ability to mentor the future of aviation, not only through flight training, but through academic rigour that inspires the next generation of pilots to explore and conquer the skies. I feel proud to be a part of an academy that empowers its teachers.”

With Emirates’ and EFTA’s planned growth trajectory, both the airline and the academy are inviting experienced and passionate instructors to join their teams. EFTA currently has a strong team of 43 highly qualified flight instructors from 23 nationalities, while Emirates has a team of 520 from 53 nationalities.

EFTA is welcoming instructors who have a minimum of 700 hours, and a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with a single engine class rating. Candidates must have an exceptional instructional technique and an understanding of a broad range of teaching methodologies. To know more about the eligibility criteria and to apply, click here.

Those who wish to join Emirates as a flight instructor must hold a CPL, an ATPL or a MPL (Multi-crew Pilot License) and have experience as an active instructor/examiner for a minimum of 12 months, along with 1,500 hours flight time as a pilot on multi-crew aircraft. To know more and apply, click here: Boeing and Airbus.

EFTA is one of the most advanced pilot training facilities, offering one of the best cadet programmes in the world. The academy opened its doors in 2017 to train cadets with no previous knowledge of flying. Today the academy combines cutting-edge learning technologies and a modern fleet of 29 training aircraft including Cirrus SR22 G6, Embraer Phenom 100EV and Diamond DA42-VI.

Located at Dubai World Central, EFTA’s state-of-the-art facility, is spread over 12.5 million sq. ft equivalent to 200 football pitches. With over 1,800 metres of runway, exclusive to the facility, and a dedicated Air Traffic Control Tower, flight instructors have access to the most advanced infrastructure and technology to train cadets.

Emirates’ cutting-edge pilot training facility currently houses 10 full-flight simulators for A380s and 777s. The airline’s new US$135 million pilot training academy with an area of 63,318 sq.ft. will accommodate six Full Flight Simulator Bays (FFS) for its A350s and 777X aircraft.

Flight Instructors will work and live in dynamic Dubai, which is a global transportation and aviation hub. Please visit www.emiratesgroupcareers.com to learn more about life in Dubai and at the Emirates Group.

Is language a barrier? Never on an Emirates flight. With over 70 languages fluently spoken by its 22,000 cabin crew, passengers feel understood and comforted throughout their journey.

Fun fact: around 1,000 Emirates cabin crew members are fluent in four or more languages. That valuable skillset not only helps them assist passengers from all over the world, but also adds a bit of pizzazz to inflight announcements. A few crew members are also proficient in sign language and the airline provides resources, encouraging crew to acquire the basic skills.

The airline embraces the diversity of its cabin crew community of over 140 nationalities as a cornerstone of its identity, setting a global standard for inclusivity in the industry. The nuances of managing diversity are manifest in many ways. As an example, the iconic red lipstick worn by cabin crew members is not a one-shade-fits-all. A diverse palette of shades match every skin tone, ensuring crew feel comfortable and confident about their appearance.

Emirates cabin crew are given specialised training tailored for specific routes, equipping them with the skills to cater to diverse cultural preferences. Whether it’s mastering the art of serving meals with bento trays or wielding chopsticks, crew ensure an authentic and seamless customer experience. Cabin crew also learn about culinary flavours from all corners of the world, are trained to prepare, plate and serve regionally inspired meals – whether its Kaiseki on Japanese routes, Arabic Mezze in the Gulf or Moqueca to Brazil.

The crew are trained in preparation for the Holy Month of Ramadan, and understand the specific onboard products, the sensitivities around customers who may be fasting, and how best to accommodate their special needs. Last year, Emirates cabin crew celebrated over 15 major festivals onboard – Eid, Oktoberfest, Christmas, Holi, Diwali, Lunar New Year and many more – and served traditional cuisine and sweet treats the authentic way.

In the past couple of years, more than 29,000 Emirates cabin crew and airport services employees globally have completed the ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities’ training. The course covers a range of topics, including recognising autism, responding with empathy, and provides practical tips on how to assist passengers with hidden disabilities.

What crew say

Melissa Brathwaite from Barbados summed up her nine years at Emirates: “I’ve always wanted to be a part of the Emirates crew community and wanted to represent Barbados as well. We’re such a small country and Emirates is the world’s largest international airline, so it really means the world to me to be able to come this far and represent my country and travel the world while doing it.”

Fabian Bluecher, from Germany said: “I always wanted to work on an A380, and Emirates gave me the opportunity to fly to such a wide network on it. I also really enjoy going out with my colleagues especially when we fly to Frankfurt, my home turf. This way I can show them our culture, food and how we celebrate life.”

Russian cabin crew, Margarita Zhibika shares her inspiration to join Emirates: “For me it’s the small things that really matter. I love this job because you can help so many people in so many different ways. Once on a long-haul flight, a new mother was exhausted, so we offered to take care of her baby while she rested. All we did was colour and play with him, but the mother woke up so happy and fresh. Those small things matter.”  

Life at Emirates

Emirates’ cabin crew embody a cosmopolitan and vibrant lifestyle in one of the world’s safest cities, Dubai. Cabin crew are known to form lifelong friendships and close-knit bonds with their colleagues, fostering better teamwork, a common sense of purpose and a shared service philosophy.

All new cabin crew undergo an intense 8 weeks of training in the highest standards of hospitality, safety and service delivery in Emirates' state-of-the-art facility in Dubai. They gain invaluable transferable life skills gained by working with a diverse crew community while experiencing new destinations and cultures across the Emirates network.

This year, the world’s largest international airline is recruiting more than 5,000 cabin crew from over 460 cities. For aspiring cabin crew, the opportunity to join Emirates is one recruitment event away. To learn more about the requirements, benefits, training programme, global recruitment events calendar and to apply, visit Emirates cabin crew careers page here.

On the back of its incredibly successful financial results and profit share, the airline is hosting a series of exclusive events in Dubai for those eager to be a part of its iconic cabin crew community. The five-star invite-only events, designed exclusively for those who live and work in the UAE, are open to all nationalities.

To be shortlisted for the events, all aspirants need to do is check-out the eligibility criteria and fill in a simple online application form here.

Top 5 reasons to become an Emirates cabin crew:

1. Travel for work with friends: Emirates’ crew fly to and explore more than 130 stunning places spanning six continents – from the Americas to Australasia. They experience the rich tapestry of cultures, food, lifestyles, history, terrain, and insights that shape their personalities and make them future fit. Crew from 140 nationalities work together as a team and forge friendships for life.

2. Relish pay and perks: cabin crew enjoy a competitive salary, flying pay, layover expenses and are eligible for profit share. Their wanderlust is supported with annual leave, annual leave flight tickets, and deeply discounted tickets for themselves, dependants, wider family, and friends, which make for memorable holidays. Excellent medical, dental and life insurance cover, transport to and from work, and free laundry services for uniforms make life stress-free. In Dubai, crew stay in furnished accommodation, and during layovers across the globe in 4- to 5-star hotels.

The FACE card, exclusively for cabin crew, and the Emirates Platinum card available to all employees, offer a range of exclusive privileges and discounts across thousands of brands, retail stores, clubs, hotels, resorts, and much more, locally and globally.

3. Learn skills for life: Onboard, Emirates’ cabin crew are not just renowned for their best inflight service, they’re the champions of safety, security, and medical emergencies. New recruits learn leadership and life-saving skills in Safety & Emergency Procedures, essential first aid in Group Medical Training, observational and industry insights in Security sessions. They receive skincare, nutrition, and wellbeing advice in the Image and Uniform sessions, and are coached on the pillars of Emirates’ hospitality and award-winning onboard food and beverage offering in Service training.

Crew have access to a host of learning and development opportunities at the Emirates Training College, on LinkedIn Learning and on the internal Future Skills portal. In 2023-24, 18,600 Emirates Group employees worldwide upskilled themselves with courses. MIRA, the extended reality virtual training for crew, unveiled during Dubai Airshow 2023, is a game changer.

Those interested in higher education and doctorate programmes can get their degrees and PhDs at a discount with Emirates Aviation University, the region’s premier aviation-related academic institution.

4. Climb the career ladder: cabin crew have planned and personalised career paths as their performance promotes them from Economy to Business to First Class teams and onwards to leadership roles as Cabin Supervisors and Pursers. Once crew decide to hang up their wings, many find success in ground roles as trainers, cabin crew management, recruiters, and in roles across the organisation.

5. Be recognised and rewarded: like all employees at the Emirates Group, cabin crew are recognised for their outstanding contributions and for being inspirational role models. Many are proud recipients of the Najm Chairman’s Awards – the highest honour at the Emirates Group, and regularly receive Najm certificates and cash prizes for their heroic efforts.

In 2023-24, the Emirates Group awarded 21,000 Najms worth AED 2 million.

Emirates currently has 22,000 cabin crew members and are looking to recruit 5,000 in this financial year. For more information on Emirates’ cabin crew work and life, click here.

First Officers – non-type rated

Emirates is welcoming First Officers who are non-type rated – which essentially means those who have experience only on turbo prop or jets. These pilots will now have the opportunity to be fully trained to fly the airline’s all wide-body fleet of 144 Boeing aircraft across its network that spans more than 140 destinations. First Officers will also be able to fly 205 of the new Boeing 777-Xs when these aircraft enter the fleet from 2025.

Accelerated Command Programme for Boeing 777s

Emirates has now extended its Accelerated Command Programme (ACP) to its fleet of Boeing 777s – which so far was reserved for its ever-popular A380. This is an incredible opportunity for motivated captains flying narrow-body aircraft to graduate to wide-body on Emirates’ fast track promotion programme.

Direct Entry Captain – A350 fleet

The airline is now calling for Direct Entry Captains (DEC) to command its highly anticipated A350 fleet of 65 aircraft. As an added incentive, Emirates has also increased the base salary for the new recruits on both the A350s and A380s. Deliveries of the A350s will start mid-year and serve both new and existing destinations. The airline continues to welcome DECs for its fleet of A380s.

First Officers 

Emirates is offering enhanced salary packages for First Officers with experience of over 4,000 flying hours on modern Airbus fly-by-wire or Boeing aircraft.

Interested pilots, who would like to learn more about the various flight deck roles, can get more info on entry requirements here.

Today, Emirates has over 4,400 pilots. In 2023, the airline recruited over 420 pilots with its recruitment programmes – Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command, and First Officers.

Life at Emirates

Emirates regularly renews and refreshes its fleet – whether via orders for the latest wide-bodied aircraft or retrofitting its existing ones. Emirates pilots enjoy flying the world’s most modern fleet of 260 all wide-body aircraft of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. From the world’s highest mountain peaks, and over oceans, volcanoes, forests, deserts, even the Aurora Borealis, they see it all as they fly to diverse destinations across the airline’s network spanning six continents and over 140 destinations.

Emirates pilots undergo evidence- and competency-based training programmes in-house with highly skilled instructors in specially designed environments. Its cutting-edge training facility houses 10 full-flight simulators for Boeing 777s and Airbus 380s.

Last year, the airline announced an investment of US$135 million to build an advanced training facility to accommodate six Full Flight Simulator Bays (FFS) for its A350s and 777X aircraft. The brand new, 63,318 sq. ft. facility is slated to open later this year.

Pilots at Emirates receive a competitive tax-free salary, are eligible for profit share, and are provided spacious villas in gated communities, education allowance, and excellent life, medical and dental cover. They also have access to a world-class provident fund and receive regular and complimentary financial advice.

Pilots enjoy chauffeur-driven transport to and from work, laundry services, 42 days annual leave and enjoy concessional cargo and discounted travel benefits for their family and friends.

Emirates’ pilot community is based in Dubai, one of the safest, most vibrant, multicultural and tech-savvy cities in the world. Major annual sporting events, a full range of lifestyle activities, first-class hospitality and dining, spectacular attractions, international schools and hospitals and excellent infrastructure all come together to make Dubai a city of choice for millions of expatriates.

Recruitment drive

As Emirates continues along its massive growth trajectory and prepares to start taking delivery of its 65 A350s on order from mid-year and its mix of 205 777-9s and 777-8s in 2025, the airline is revving up its pilot recruitment drive. In 2024, Emirates’ recruitment team will host roadshows in more than 26 cities in over 18 countries.

The changes to eligibility criteria and salary packages represent a step forward in its commitment to attracting the best talent globally and ensuring a perfect customer experience on every single journey.

To checkout the eligibility criteria and apply for pilot roles, click here: https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots/

Dubai, UAE, 16 January 2024 – Emirates is celebrating the new year and the imminent arrival of its spanking new fleet of Airbus A350s with a global cabin crew recruitment drive with a difference. The 5,000 new joiners will ensure the airline’s commitment to offering the world’s best inflight experience maintains a steady course.

The recruitment drive is designed primarily for those who will soon or have recently stepped into the world of work. The airline is inviting fresh graduates with internships or part-time jobs on their résumés, those with a year or so of hospitality or customer service experience, and individuals keen to embark on an exciting career travelling the globe. The new recruits will be a part of the world’s largest international airline and one of the most iconic brands, plus they will learn hospitality and life skills from the best trainers in the business.

What’s more, they will travel the world across more than 140 cities in 76 countries and enjoy the entire gamut of benefits working as Emirates’ cabin crew. Click here for the eligibility criteria.

Recruitment drive

In 2024, Emirates’ recruitment team will host open days and assessments in more than 460 cities across six continents, reflecting the span of the airline's network and the diversity of its cabin crew team, while flying the flag for living and working in dynamic Dubai.

In 2023, Emirates hired a staggering 8,000 cabin crew and held recruitment events in 353 cities as the airline ramped up its services post the pandemic. In August 2023, the airline’s cabin crew numbers crossed the 20,000 milestone and are now 21,500 strong.

Fleet and network expansion

The new cabin crew recruitment drive comes as Emirates begins to take delivery of its eagerly anticipated A350s from mid-year and the Boeing 777-Xs starting in 2025. The airline has 65 A350s and a mix of 205 777-9s and 777-8s in its order book. The new aircraft will expand the airline’s reach and provide flexibility to add new routes to its network.

Training and life skills

All new cabin crew recruits undergo an intense eight weeks of training in delivering the highest standards of hospitality, safety and service that Emirates’ customers have come to expect over the years. Trained in Emirates' state-of-the-art facility in Dubai, cabin crew learn invaluable transferable skills that include a knack for communications, initiative and leadership qualities. They develop the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team, the focus to stay mentally strong and calm under pressure, becoming bastions of hospitality and exceptional service, and ambassadors of an iconic brand. Cabin crew also have access to the latest training programmes and LinkedIn courses.

What new joiners say

Ane Monego Castagna from Italy, who joined May 2023 said: “Sometimes you’ve got to chase your dreams, other times the dream chases you. In April last year, I received the ‘golden call’ that changed my life. During training, I was amazed by the knowledge and skills imparted to us and what it took to become an Emirates cabin crew. The opportunity to make friends for life, be super confident and to fly with the airline is priceless. Thanks to Emirates, the life I live today is better than anything I have ever dreamed of!”

Robyn Clark from the UK, who joined in February 2023 said: “Working for Emirates is a job like no other. From the day I got the call to boarding every flight, I feel so proud of what I’ve accomplished. Putting on the iconic Emirates uniform every morning is a feeling I can’t explain – this really is a dream come true. I will always be grateful to Emirates for the memories I’ve made, the amazing experiences I’ve had travelling the world, and being able to come back from my journeys to Dubai – one of the safest and most vibrant cities globally – that I now call home.”

Cabin crew community

Emirates’ multicultural cabin crew team hail from more than 140 nationalities and speak a staggering 130 languages – which is why customers can always expect to converse with a warm, friendly voice in their own lingo. Crew form lifelong friendships and close-knit bonds within the community, fostering better teamwork, a common sense of purpose and a shared service philosophy.

Cabin crew experience excellent career progression, including upgrading to higher cabin classes, and becoming a cabin supervisor, purser or trainer. Today, the airline has 1,180 pursers who have climbed the career ladder after successfully completing exacting training and assessments. Crew also have the opportunity to apply for internal vacancies throughout the Emirates Group.

The cabin crew life

Emirates’ cabin crew lead a cosmopolitan lifestyle in vibrant Dubai, living with 200 nationalities in a city renowned for its hotels, restaurants, food scene, leisure activities and for being one of the safest in the world.

Emirates’ cabin crew enjoy a competitive, tax-free salary and flying pay, eligibility for profit share, hotel stays and layover expenses, concessional travel and cargo, annual leave, annual leave ticket, furnished accommodation, transportation to and from work, excellent medical, life and dental insurance coverage, laundry services and other benefits. Friends and family enjoy deeply discounted flight tickets, and travelling with their loved ones creates lasting memories for crew.

For aspiring cabin crew, the opportunity to join Emirates is one click or one open day away. Checkout www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew regularly for more details and open day schedules in your city or country.

Emirates has launched a recruitment drive globally. Interested pilots and their families can join an online info session on 4 October at 1pm Dubai time, attend open days in select destinations, and keep an eye out for exciting opportunities here: https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots/

The Direct Entry Captains programme is for technically skilled captains with a minimum of 3,000 hours of recent command on Airbus fly-by-wire wide-body aircraft such as the A330, A340, A350, and A380. Candidates are required to have a minimum of 7,000 hours of total flying time on multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft, in addition to meeting other eligibility criteria. 

Life at 35,000ft

Emirates’ pilots find flying the airline’s fleet professionally fulfilling, rewarding, and exciting. New joiners will be embraced into a 4,200 strong flight crew community, including 1,515 A380 pilots, who take pride in flying the airline’s overall fleet of 260 aircraft. The airline’s all wide-body fleet is one of the youngest and most advanced in the world, and includes Emirates’ iconic Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. Emirates will start receiving its fleet of A350s mid-2024 and 777-9s in 2025.

The airline’s pilots also relish the excitement and adventure of flying one of the most comprehensive global route networks that spans six continents. They operate everything from regional routes in the Middle East to ultra-long haul destinations and cross-polar flights which make for varied and interesting rosters.

Lifelong training

The airline continues to invest soundly in innovative pilot training, with its current facility housing 10 full-flight simulators. Emirates’ robust, evidence-based in-house training programmes are delivered by highly experienced instructors and feature specially designed operating environments. The airline’s latest US$135 million, high-tech pilot training facility is set to open in March 2024. The 63,300sq.ft. facility will increase pilot training capacity by 54% and house 6 more full-flight simulators, including for the A350s and Boeing 777-9s.

Pilots also have access to a range of non-technical training programmes at the Emirates Aviation College and Emirates Aviation University.

Life at Emirates and in Dubai

Emirates’ expat pilot community enjoy living and working in the safe, secure, multicultural city of Dubai with flight deck colleagues from 111 countries and other colleagues from over 160 nationalities. Pilots receive a competitive tax-free salary, spacious accommodation, education allowance, and excellent dental, medical and life cover. They also enjoy chauffeur-driven transport to and from work, laundry services, 42 days of annual leave, confirmed Business Class annual leave flight tickets, concessional cargo, exceptional discounted travel benefits for friends and family, and much more.

Pilots appreciate the well-defined career paths at Emirates – Captains can go on to become management pilots, recruitment pilots, technical pilots, standards captains, training captains, audit captains, examiners and instructors. They also enjoy long, fruitful careers as around 40% have been with the airline for 10+ years – 1,380 pilots for 10-19 years, 173 for between 20-29 years, and 5 who have completed 30 years. Fun fact: the two longest serving pilots, with over 34 years of service, joined the airline on the same day in 1989.

In the last five months, the airline has welcomed 172 new pilots on its three recruitment programmes – Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command, and First Officers.

Accelerated Command Programme

Designed for Airbus Captains who currently command narrow-body aircraft and have a minimum of 1,500 hours of Airbus fly-by-wire experience. They join as A380 First Officers on an enhanced salary package. After a minimum of 700 flying hours and two successful recurrent checks, they’re eligible for an accelerated command upgrade, which they typically achieve in a little over a year. 

First Officer

Candidates must have multi-engine, multi-crew aircraft experience, a valid International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), and a minimum of 2,000 hours on 20-tonne maximum take-off weight aircraft. 

Interested pilots, who would like to learn more about the various flight deck roles and register for the info session, can click here.

Emirates is hosting global cabin crew recruitment events across 6 continents

Dubai, UAE, 9 August 2023 – They say the journey is just as important as the destination and Emirates couldn’t agree more. At the heart of its customer journey are exceptional cabin crew who deliver the airline’s signature inflight experience at 38,000 feet.

Emirates’ cabin crew team recently crossed a milestone and are now 20,000-strong, as the airline continues to recruit cabin crew globally to meet its planned growth trajectory.

Since 2022, the airline has hosted recruitment events in 340 cities across 6 continents – truly reflecting the diversity of its cabin crew team and the destinations it serves.

The instantly recognisable Emirates cabin crew uniform has undergone four transformations in three decades, including a design by the legendary Spanish designer Paco Rabanne in 1997. The airline has consistently kept the iconic beige, and the subtle modern tweaks have stayed true to the elegant and classic style the uniform has echoed over the years.

Loving the flying – Emirates’ long serving crew

Two cabin crew who’ve worn most of these uniform variations include the airline’s longest serving cabin crew – a male Emirati purser who joined in 1987, and the longest serving female cabin crew, who joined the airline in 1994.

Moosa Mubarak, Emirati Purser and Emirates’ longest serving cabin crew, said: ‘I’ve flown as Emirates’ cabin crew for 36 years on over 3,500 flights. Even now, after all these years, I’m always keen and excited to start my duty onboard. Mentoring my crew colleagues and serving as an ambassador for Emirates and my country is what I am most proud of. I have had a long and successful career, incredible experiences and have made mind-blowing memories doing exactly what I love.’

Diverse cabin crew team, now 20,000 strong

In a diverse team representing over 140 nationalities with 130 languages spoken, and an office with views from 38,000 feet and different cities each week, the allure and ever-changing nature of the job continues to nurture and challenge Emirates' cabin crew to reach their full potential.

Many crew have long been a part of Emirates’ growth story with over 4,000 crew serving between 5–9 years; close to 3,000 serving between 10–14 years; over 1,500 crew serving 15–19 years; and some 400 crew members having crossed the milestone of 20 years of service. Three crew members have been with the airline for more than 30 years.

Career progression opportunities for cabin crew include upgrading to a higher cabin, becoming a cabin supervisor, trainer or purser. Today the airline has over 1,100 pursers who have moved through the ranks from junior cabin crew, after successfully completing rigorous training and assessments.

Cabin crew also have access to the latest training programmes, LinkedIn courses and the opportunity to apply for internal vacancies throughout the Emirates Group.

Seeking global talent

Revving up for its next growth phase, the airline will host global recruitment events covering hundreds of cities all year round.

Emirates’ cabin crew truly embody a cosmopolitan lifestyle as they’re based in Dubai, a vibrant city home to 200 nationalities, and renowned for its hotels, restaurants, food scene, leisure activities and for being one of the safest cities in the world.

Emirates offers cabin crew a competitive, tax-free salary and flying pay, eligibility for profit share, hotel stay, layover expenses, concessional travel and cargo, annual leave, annual leave ticket, furnished accommodation, transportation to and from work, excellent medical, life and dental insurance coverage, laundry services and other benefits. Emirates cabin crew can also benefit from the airline’s deeply discounted tickets for friends and family. With Dubai’s unique geographical position and the airline’s network of over 130 destinations, creating memories with loved ones is simply a plane ride away.

All new cabin crew undergo an intense 8 weeks of training in the highest standards of hospitality, safety and service delivery in Emirates' state-of-the-art facility in Dubai. Not to mention the invaluable transferable life skills gained by working with a diverse crew community while experiencing new destinations and cultures across the Emirates network.

For aspiring cabin crew, the opportunity to join Emirates is one recruitment event away. To learn more about the requirements, benefits, training programme, global recruitment events calendar and to apply, visit Emirates cabin crew careers page here.

Emirates uniform

Did you know?

• The beige of Emirates’ uniform represents the golden sands of the UAE.
• The cream coloured Emirates scarf with 7 pleats represents the 7 emirates of the UAE.
• 1,627,000 metres of fabric, 153,000kms of thread and 1,815,000 buttons go into making uniforms for 20,000 Emirates cabin crew.

As part of continued investment into the world-class Emirates Cabin Crew experience, ‘The Emirates Beauty Hub’ is open 7 days a week serving more than 18,000 cabin crew based in Dubai. It will offer a warm and welcoming space to connect cabin crew with a team of beauty hub consultants. Emirates cabin crew will be able to book personalised appointments with consultants to get expert recommendations on make-up application tips, nutrition, fitness, skincare, haircare, and male and female grooming best practices. The Emirates Beauty Hub consultants have received specialised training from Dior and Davines and hail from a variety of backgrounds, including former cabin crew experience and roles in wellness, nutrition, and cosmetology.

Dior and Davines products will be used exclusively for demonstrations in the beauty hub. Some of the iconic Dior beauty products recommended for cabin crew maintaining the signature glamour of the Emirates look, even on long-haul flights, are the Dior Hydra Life Intense Sorbet Crème to create a soft and hydrated base, Dior Forever Skin Glow, a clean and radiant foundation that provides 24 hours of hydration, glow and breathability to the skin, long-lasting Diorshow On Stage Liner for subtle and smudge proof definition of the eyes, Dior Backstage Face and Body Flash Perfector Concealer - a multi-use and waterproof concealer, and Rouge Dior Forever Liquid, an ultra-pigmented, transfer-proof liquid lipstick in the vibrant Emirates red.

For men, the Dior Sauvage range offers an array of products from cleansers, face masks, shaving gel, and aftershave balm to ensure hydrated and plumped skin. Davines hair care also features essential items for Emirates cabin crew including detoxifying, moisturising and intensive repair shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments, alongside shimmering mists, shine wax and hairsprays to maintain the uniform look of the elegant Emirates cabin crew hairstyles.

The world of Dior beauty is ‘defined by a spirit of audacity and innovation, accompanied by a thriving tradition of excellence’ that marries perfectly with Emirates commitment to innovation and constant investment into elevating the travel experience. As the face of a globally recognised brand, Emirates highly trained, professional, and cosmopolitan cabin crew are a core part of this experience.

Flying with the world’s largest airline, Emirates cabin crew enjoy non-stop new adventures as they travel to over 150 cities across 85 countries. Many Emirates cabin crew describe the role as ‘the best job in the world’ - delivering award-winning service at 40,000 feet and enjoying the unique lifestyle that comes with the job. Having access to different learning experiences enables cabin crew to develop their leadership qualities, becoming bastions of hospitality and exceptional service through Emirates Signature Moments, and world-recognised emblems of an iconic brand.

Emirates are currently actively recruiting cabin crew from around the world.

Apply here