The Dubai-based airline is hiring experienced Airbus staff ahead of the addition of new aircraft to its fleet over the next two years. The airline has launched a recruitment drive globally and is inviting applications from seasoned commanders to join its Direct Entry Captains programme for its fleet of Airbus A380s.
The programme is designed for captains with at least 3,000 hours of recent command experience on Airbus wide-body aircraft. In addition, the airline is running an Accelerated Command Programme for captains with a minimum of 1,500 hours of Airbus experience. A first officer programme for candidates with multi-engine, multi-crew aircraft experience is also in place.
A series of recruitment drives have been launched by airlines in the UAE to meet the demands of a burgeoning travel industry following the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, the Vice Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University (EAU) had predicted a hiring spree. “The shortage of skilled staff in the aviation industry has created huge opportunities for employment,” he had said.
In addition to the pilots, there will be 1,515 A380 pilots flying 260 aircraft, making up a flight crew community of 4,200. Emirates’ expat pilot community works with flight deck colleagues from 111 countries and colleagues from over 160 nationalities. Pilots receive spacious accommodation, education allowance, and excellent dental, medical and life cover.
Additionally, they receive chauffeur-driven transportation to and from work, laundry services, 42 days of annual leave, confirmed Business Class annual leave flight tickets, concessionary cargo, and exceptional discounted travel benefits for friends and family.
Pilots with varying levels of experience
Emirates plans to receive its fleet of A350s in mid-2024 and 777-9s in 2025, and is in the process of hiring a strong team to handle the new aircraft. Here are all the details of the various programs:
Direct Entry Captains: To become an A380 Captain, candidates will need a minimum of 7000 hours of total flying time operating a multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft. The applicant must also have a minimum of 3000 hours of recent command experience on wide-body aircraft such as the A330, A340, A350, and A380.
Accelerated Command Programme: To join the accelerated command program on an enhanced salary package, pilots must have flown a minimum of 6000 hours on multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft with at least 3000 hours of command time on a plane of 50 tonnes or more. Typically, they achieve an accelerated command upgrade within a year after accumulating 700 flying hours and two successful recurrent checks.
First Officer: Candidates must have multi-engine, multi-crew aircraft experience, a valid International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), and a minimum of 2,000 hours on a 20-tonne maximum take-off weight aircraft.
Pilots and their families can attend an online information session on October 4 at 1pm Dubai time, attend open days at selected destinations, or register online.