Dreaming of flying one of the world’s largest international airline networks? Emirates is giving experienced pilots a closer look at life on its flight deck with a global recruitment roadshow spanning Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
The Dubai-based airline’s recruitment team will meet commercial pilots at events designed to showcase career opportunities, training pathways, salary packages, benefits and what it is like to live and work in the UAE.
The campaign begins in Madrid, Spain, on August 6 and will travel to major aviation hubs including Lisbon, Seoul, London, Milan, Rome, Mexico City, São Paulo, Johannesburg and Amsterdam.
The roadshows will offer candidates insights into:
- Emirates’ new Narrowbody to Widebody Direct Entry Captain programme
- Pilot selection and recruitment process
- Career progression opportunities
- Salary, benefits and allowances
- Flight rosters, annual leave and work-life balance
- Relocating to Dubai and life in the UAE
Pilots attending the sessions will have the opportunity to meet Emirates recruiters, ask questions and learn more about building a long-term aviation career with the airline.
For many pilots, joining Emirates also means relocating to Dubai — a key part of the airline’s recruitment message.
The airline says pilots can combine long-haul flying with opportunities to explore destinations across its global network, while enjoying benefits designed for employees and their families.
Emirates pilots receive travel benefits, chauffeur-driven airport transfers in Dubai and access to a network covering more than 140 destinations.
Experienced pilots can apply for command positions on Emirates’ Airbus fleet.
Requirements include:
- ICAO English Level 5 or above
- Valid ICAO ATPL and unrestricted Class 1 medical certificate
- More than 7,000 total flying hours
- Minimum 150 hours on type in the past 12 months
- Airbus fly-by-wire pilot-in-command experience
Fast-track route to widebody command
Emirates is also promoting its Accelerated Command programme, offering experienced narrow-body captains a pathway to command widebody aircraft.
Eligible pilots must have:
- ICAO English Level 5 or above
- Valid ICAO ATPL and Class 1 medical certificate
- More than 5,000 total flying hours
- Minimum 150 hours on type in the past 12 months
The airline offers a tax-free remuneration package covering salary, accommodation, education support, healthcare, travel benefits and retirement contributions.
Captain package:
- Total annual package: Dh1.185 million ($320,000)
- Annual take-home cash: Dh575,000 ($155,000)
- Monthly take-home pay: Dh48,000 ($13,000), based on 85 flying hours
- Tax-free package includes: salary, housing, education support, medical cover, insurance, annual leave tickets, transport and Provident Fund contributions
Captain package:
- Education allowance for children aged 4–19
- Primary school: Dh52,250 ($14,237) per year
- Secondary school: Dh79,750 ($21,730) per year
Captain package:
- 42 days of annual leave every year
- Confirmed annual leave tickets for pilots and eligible dependants
- Business class tickets upgradeable to first class
Housing and retirement benefits:
- Free accommodation in Emirates residential communities, including utilities
- Provident Fund enrolment after six months of service
- Employer contribution: 12% of basic monthly salary
- Employee contribution: 5% of basic monthly salary
- Independent trust managed in the Isle of Man
Medical and insurance cover:
- Medical and dental cover for employees and family
- Life and accident insurance
- Loss-of-licence insurance support
42 days annual leave:
- Accommodation in Emirates residential communities
- Education allowance for children
- Medical and dental cover
- Life, accident and loss-of-licence insurance
- Provident Fund contributions
Emirates Accelerated Command programme: Salary and benefits:
- Fast-track pathway to Captain: Designed for experienced narrow-body captains to progress to command roles on Emirates’ widebody fleet
- Eligibility requirements:
- 5,000+ total flying hours
- Valid ICAO ATPL with unrestricted Class 1 medical certificate
- ICAO English Level 5 or higher
- Airbus fly-by-wire or Boeing pilot-in-command experience
- Minimum 150 hours on type in the past 12 months
Salary and package:
- Total annual package: Dh970,000 ($260,000)
- Annual take-home cash: Dh445,000 ($120,000)
- Monthly take-home pay: Dh37,100 ($10,000), based on 85 flying hours
- Tax-free benefits include: salary, housing, education support, medical cover, insurance, annual leave tickets, transport and Provident Fund contributions
Family benefits and education allowance:
- Education allowance for children aged 4–19
- Primary school: Dh52,250 ($14,237) per year
- Secondary school: Dh79,750 ($21,730) per year
Leave and travel benefits:
- 42 days of annual leave every year
- Confirmed annual leave tickets for pilots and eligible dependants
- Economy tickets upgradeable to business class
Housing and retirement benefits:
- Free accommodation worth up to Dh225,000 ($61,310), including utilities
- Three- or four-bedroom villa in Emirates residential communities
- Accommodation allowance available for pilots who choose to buy their own property
- Employer contribution: 12% of basic salary
- Employee contribution: 5% of basic salary
Medical and insurance cover:
- Medical and dental cover for employees and family
- Life and accident insurance
- Loss-of-licence insurance support
Emirates is also recruiting experienced First Officers.
Applicants require:
- At least 2,000 total flying hours on qualifying aircraft
- Current Boeing or Airbus fly-by-wire experience
- Valid ICAO ATPL and Class 1 medical certificate
- ICAO English Level 4 or above
- Minimum 150 hours on type in the past 12 months
The First Officer package includes:
- Total annual package: Dh900,000 ($245,000)
- Annual take-home cash: Dh385,000 ($105,000)
- Monthly take-home pay: Dh32,100 ($8,750), based on 85 flying hours
- Tax-free benefits include: salary, housing, education support, medical cover, insurance, leave tickets, transport and Provident Fund contributions
Enhanced package:
- Annual package: Dh935,000 ($255,000)
- Annual take-home cash: Dh415,000 ($115,000)
- Monthly take-home pay: Dh34,600 ($9,600)
- Available for pilots who meet additional flying experience requirements
Family benefits and perks:
- Education allowance for children aged 4–19
- Primary school: Dh52,250 ($14,237) per year
- Secondary school: Dh79,750 ($21,730) per year
Emirates also runs a fully sponsored National Cadet Pilot Programme for UAE nationals.
The programme covers training costs, accommodation, uniforms and meals, taking candidates from ground school to First Officer roles.
Eligibility includes:
- UAE citizenship and valid Khulasat Al Qaid
- Age between 18 and 26 years
- Required academic qualifications
- IELTS score of 6.0
- Minimum height of 160cm
