On World Pilots' Day Emirates commits to hiring 1,500 aviators

The airline is looking to hire over 550 pilots this year, expanding its elite team of 4,600 aviators

Dubai, UAE, 1 May 2025: On World Pilots’ Day, Emirates honoured the resilience and dedication of its pilots and the community worldwide. As the airline embarks on its next era of growth and global expansion, it reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming over 1,500 new pilots within the next two years.

The airline is riding on the success of its Accelerated Command programme which fast-tracks First Officers to the role of Captain, with more than 80 pilots well on their way to achieving this command upgrade.

Aviators wishing to join the world-class community can look forward to a suite of thoughtfully curated and benchmarked benefits.

Above the clouds

Emirates pilots fly the world’s youngest and most modern fleet of 261 all wide-body aircraft of Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s and its latest stunning addition – the A350. Flying to over 148 destinations across six continents, Emirates’ pilots connect bustling cities – from San Francisco to Sydney to serene hotspots like the Maldives and Mauritius. Navigating every terrain – from dense forests, vast deserts, the Himalayas, oceans, even the aurora borealis, every journey promises an unparalleled experience. They enjoy the best office in the world with a magnificent view at 40,000 feet.

Life in Dubai

Emirates pilots enjoy a competitive tax-free salary with profit sharing benefits – ensuring security and stability. They have access to a world-class provident fund and retirement benefits as well as life, medical and dental coverage.

Pilots are chauffeured to and from work in luxury cars and live in spacious villas in gated communities. Pilots have every opportunity to explore the world with family and friends – this includes 42 annual leave days and tickets for the entire family in First or Business Class, plus deeply discounted tickets for self, immediate and wider family, plus friends. Bidding and swapping for preferred flights and destinations with the airline’s advanced rostering system ensures they can spend special moments with loved ones.

Pilots are part of a vibrant community in Dubai where they live alongside colleagues from over 112 countries. With excellent infrastructure, first-class hospitality, a buzzing nightlife, family-friendly communities, international schools and amenities, Dubai is a city of choice for millions of expatriates.

Unlocking exclusive deals

The Emirates Platinum Card is designed to offer pilots and their dependents exclusive benefits and access to discounts across thousands of leading brands and retail stores, clubs, clinics, and renowned hospitality outlets both locally and globally. Complementing this, the Premium Club Membership provides employees and their families entry to premium fitness and leisure facilities at selected clubs in Dubai.

Global recruitment drive

With its phenomenal growth strategy in mind, Emirates is focused on hiring experienced pilots for roles in one of its four programmes: Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command, First Officers Type Rated and First Officers Non-Type Rated. The new hires will be embraced into a 4,600 strong flight crew community. To learn more about the eligibility criteria visit www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots.

Since the start of 2022, the airline has welcomed nearly 2,000 new pilots. This year, Emirates’ recruitment team will host roadshows in more than 40 cities across the world with a goal to hire more than 550 pilots. After successful sessions in Italy this month, they will visit Norway, Finland and Sweden in May. Those interested to join Emirates’ renowned pilot community, click here: https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots/