UAE jobs: flydubai invests in pilot pipeline with new training programme as fleet set to expand by 12 in 2025

Dubai: To support the arrival of 12 new aircraft into its rapidly expanding fleet this year, which already includes an order for 125 Boeing 737 MAX and 30 Boeing 787 wide-body planes, Dubai-based carrier flydubai has initiated a significant recruitment campaign alongside the launch of its Ab Initio Pilot Training programme.

This new programme is a key element of the airline’s long-term workforce strategy, building upon its current strong team of over 6,400 professionals, including more than 1,300 pilots.

The Ab Initio Pilot Training programme aims to shape students into future pilots, who will play a key role in supporting the airline’s ambitious growth plans, the airline said.

flydubai currently operates a fleet of young 737 aircraft. The airline said this is a “unique opportunity for aspiring pilots to join a Multi-Pilot License (MPL) programme, develop essential flying skills and launch a rewarding aviation career with flydubai.”

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said, “This programme opens the door to homegrown Emirati talent, as well as residents and international applicants, who are passionate about aviation, to pursue a career in one of the most thriving hubs in the world.”

In the past year, the all-Boeing carrier has expressed frustration at the American manufacturer for its persistent delays in aircraft deliveries. Al Ghaith told AGBI during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) earlier this month that delays in the delivery of the airline's first wide-body aircraft from Boeing are hampering the carrier’s expansion into long-haul routes, and it may seek compensation.

flydubai ordered the wide bodies during the Dubai Airshow in 2023, and the first deliveries were due next year. However, that has been pushed to at least August 2027 and potentially beyond.

“Unfortunately, we still have a big challenge because, if you ask me when the 787 is going to be delivered, I would say I don’t know,” Ghaith Al Ghaith told AGBI.

In the first half of 2024, flydubai received four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which were part of a backlog from previous years and experienced significant delays. Despite this, the airline's 2024 financial report indicates that none of the aircraft contractually scheduled for delivery in 2024 were received, due to ongoing challenges at Boeing. flydubai is expected to receive 12 new Boeing 737s in 2025. 

The programme aims to enable young people over 17 who graduated from high school to become commercial airline pilots. Cadets who complete their initial training will qualify at the flydubai Flight Training Centre to become Boeing 737 pilots.

Captain Ahmad Bin Huzaim, senior vice president of flight operations at flydubai, said, “The flydubai Ab Initio programme is designed to identify and train passionate individuals, with little to no prior flying experience, and prepare them to operate as second officers on our growing fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft.”

He added, “The rigorous programme is a structured journey that takes cadets from foundational theory to commercial flight readiness in approximately 18 to 24 months.”

Captain Huzaim said that while academic excellence is the bedrock of the programme, the airline equally values leadership, teamwork and decisiveness – core attributes of any successful pilot. “The launch of the new Ab Initio programme opens the doors to numerous opportunities to grow our talent pool, and we look forward to developing the programme in the future to cover more roles in the aviation industry, including maintenance and engineering, air traffic controllers and much more,” he stated.

What to expect? The programme includes ground school training, simulator and flight instruction, line training and final integration into flydubai’s flight operations.

What’s needed? Candidates are required to meet a number of eligibility requirements and will undergo rigorous screening tests online and on-site, including a series of aptitude, cognitive and psychomotor assessments during the initial screening phase as well as medical clearances.

When does it start? The first batch of cadets is expected to begin training in the last quarter of 2025.