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28 March 2024

Emirates to recruit 8,500 more

At present Emirati pilots, engineers and technicians form about 12% of the staff (FILE)

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By Staff

Dubai-based Emirates airlines, the world's largest passenger carrier, will recruit 8,500 new employees in the next two years,  according to a senior official of the group.

Adel Al Redha, Executive Vice-President, the Department of Engineering and Operations, Emirates Group, said: "The company needs more than 8,500 employees, technicians, pilots and stewards, to operate 50 new aircraft to be delivered in the next two years."

Speaking to Arabic daily 'Emarat Al Youm', Al Redha said: "The company has a strategic plan for recruitment in the coming years, in conjunction with the expansion."

He added that the carrier is keen on emiratisation and plans to increase the number of nationals employed by the airline by encouraging them to take up positions such as engineers and pilots. The airline will also seek to hire qualified cadres from other markets, he added.

At present Emirati pilots, engineers and technicians form about 12 per cent of the airline's staff. There are about 360 Emirati pilots, while engineers and technicians total to about 370. The Group aims to increase this number to 20-25 per cent, he said.

Currently there are about 70 pilots and 60 engineers and technicians undergoing training, Al Redha said. The airlines is focusing on engineers and pilots, as other categories are easier to fill, he added.

Al Redha said, pilots usually undergo at least four years of training comprising three phases - Foundation Stage, which includes learning the basic principles of flying and sharpening English language skills.

The second phase involves 18 months of practical training in Spain and Dubai before they can get air transport pilot's licence.

The third phase involves training on commercial aircraft for nine months on model planes designed specifically for trainee pilots.

There are about 50,000 employees in Emirates Group currently.