UAE job alert: Emirates to hire 1,500 pilots as growth plans take flight

Dubai: Emirates is expanding its pilot workforce as part of its ongoing growth strategy, with plans to recruit over 1,500 new aviators over the next two years, including more than 550 in 2025.

The announcement came on World Pilots’ Day (1 May 2025), as the Dubai-based carrier recognised the contributions of its current flight crew and reaffirmed its ambitions for fleet and route expansion.

The airline currently employs around 4,600 pilots and is actively filling positions across four tracks: Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command (fast-tracked First Officers), Type-Rated First Officers, and Non-Type Rated First Officers.

Focus on internal mobility

A key part of the airline’s strategy is its Accelerated Command programme, which fast-tracks First Officers to Captain roles. More than 80 pilots are currently progressing through the scheme, aimed at meeting increased demand on both long-haul and high-frequency routes.

Fleet and footprint

Emirates operates an all-widebody fleet of 261 aircraft, including Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s, and newly delivered A350s, serving 148 destinations across six continents. With further aircraft orders in the pipeline and new routes expected, the airline is ramping up talent acquisition to keep pace.

Dubai-based benefits

The airline continues to pitch Dubai as an attractive base for pilots, highlighting a tax-free salary, profit-sharing, family travel perks, and access to housing, education, and lifestyle benefits. Emirates also offers pilots premium discounts through its Platinum Card and Premium Club membership for wellness and leisure facilities across the city.

Pilots are provided chauffeured transport, gated community housing, and 42 days of annual leave, with flexibility to swap rosters and flight destinations. The airline's diverse pilot base currently spans 112 nationalities.

Recruitment push

Emirates’ global roadshow campaign will visit over 40 cities in 2025 as it seeks to attract experienced flight crew from Europe, Asia, and beyond. Following recruitment events in Italy, teams will head to Norway, Finland, and Sweden in May.

Since 2022, nearly 2,000 new pilots have joined the airline.