Emirates announced that it is reaffirming its commitment to welcoming more than 1,500 new pilots within the next two years as part of the airline’s plans for expansion.
Since the start of 2022, the Dubai-based carrier has welcomed nearly 2,000 new pilots. In 2025, Emirates’ recruitment team will host roadshows in over 40 cities around the world with a goal to hire more than 550 pilots.
After recruitment sessions in Italy in April 2025, the airline is set to visit Norway, Finland and Sweden in May 2025. Emirates said it intends to expand its team of pilots to more than 4,600.
Emirates Pilot Acceleration program
Emirates said that it is riding on the success of its Accelerated Command program, which fast-tracks First Officers to the role of Captain, with more than 80 pilots well on their way to achieving this upgrade.
Under the acceleration program, pilots will need to operate the right-hand seat for a minimum of 700 stick hours and successfully complete two Evidence Based Training (EBT) recurrent training modules.
Once standards are met and pilots are able to display the required level of performance, they will then be eligible for accelerated command via an assessment process and an upgrade course.
Emirates pilot perks
Emirates pilots enjoy a competitive tax-free salary with profit sharing benefits. They have access to retirement benefits as well as life, medical and dental coverage.
Emirates provides chauffeured luxury cars to drive pilots to and from work. They are provided living accommodation in spacious villas in gated communities.
Pilots are given 42 days of annual leave, and complimentary tickets for family members in first or business class, plus massively discounted tickets for themselves, immediate, or wider family, and even friends.
Bidding and swapping for preferred flights and destinations with the airline’s advanced rostering system also allows pilots to be able to spend time with family when they wish to.
Emirates claims that its pilots fly the world’s youngest fleet of 261 all-widebody aircraft of Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s, and A350.
