Emirates Airlines’ Global Hiring Drive for Experienced Airbus Pilots Amid Fleet Expansion

In anticipation of a significant expansion of its fleet over the next two years, Dubai-based Emirates Airlines has initiated a robust recruitment campaign targeting experienced Airbus staff worldwide. The airline is inviting applications from seasoned commanders to join its prestigious Direct Entry Captains program specifically designed for its formidable fleet of Airbus A380s.

This strategic move by Emirates Airlines comes as part of their ongoing efforts to meet the increasing demands of the aviation industry, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the Vice Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University (EAU) had predicted a surge in hiring, emphasizing the remarkable opportunities created by the industry’s need for skilled professionals.

The Direct Entry Captains program is tailored for highly skilled captains with a minimum of 3,000 hours of recent command experience on Airbus wide-body aircraft. Additionally, the airline is introducing an Accelerated Command Programme aimed at captains with a minimum of 1,500 hours of Airbus experience. For aspiring candidates with multi-engine, multi-crew aircraft experience, Emirates is also offering a First Officer program.

Emirates Airlines, renowned for its diverse and global workforce, currently boasts a 4,200-strong flight crew community, including 1,515 A380 pilots responsible for flying 260 aircraft. These pilots hail from 111 countries and represent over 160 nationalities, contributing to the airline’s international appeal.

Pilots joining Emirates Airlines can look forward to a comprehensive benefits package, including spacious accommodation, an education allowance, and extensive dental, medical, and life insurance coverage. They also enjoy the convenience of chauffeur-driven transportation to and from work, laundry services, a generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days, confirmed Business Class annual leave flight tickets, concessional cargo rates, and exceptional discounted travel benefits for friends and family, among other perks.

Emirates Airlines is gearing up to welcome its new fleet of A350s in mid-2024 and 777-9s in 2025. To ensure they have a proficient team ready to operate these state-of-the-art aircraft, the airline has introduced several programs with specific requirements:

1. Direct Entry Captains:

– Candidates must have a minimum of 7,000 hours of total flying time on multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft.
– A minimum of 3,000 hours of recent command experience on wide-body aircraft like the A330, A340, A350, and A380 is required, among other eligibility criteria.

2. Accelerated Command Programme:

– Pilots must have accumulated a minimum of 6,000 hours of flight time on multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft.
– At least 3,000 hours of command time on aircraft weighing 50 tonnes or more is a prerequisite.
– Eligible pilots can expect an accelerated command upgrade after 700 flying hours and two successful recurrent checks, typically achieved in just over a year.

3. First Officer:

– Candidates should possess multi-engine, multi-crew aircraft experience.
– A valid International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is required, along with a minimum of 2,000 hours on aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 20 tonnes.

Emirates Airlines is offering interested pilots and their families various avenues to explore these career opportunities. They can attend an online information session on October 4 at 1pm Dubai time, participate in open days held in select destinations, or simply register on the airline’s website to embark on a journey with one of the world’s leading carriers.