Emirates on major recruitment drive

Emirates plans to hire more than 700 pilots over the next 18 months to support new routes, new aircraft and increased frequencies.

The airline's recruitment team is now seeking First Officers in Madrid, one of six new destinations announced by the airline this year.

After Madrid - served by Emirates from 1st August - recruiters move to Barcelona, then across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Capt. Alan Stealey, Emirates' divisional senior vice president, Flight Operations, said: "We have embarked on a major drive to recruit cockpit crew to support the airline's growth at a time when much of the industry is cutting back. With our 9th A380 just arrived and a 10th A380 being handed over next week, that's two giant aircraft to staff in the space of a fortnight alone. By the end of this year, we will have recruited more than 250 pilots. Next year, we're looking to double that figure and recruit 500.”

Emirates has a 147-strong fleet with a further six aircraft due to arrive this year. A total of 144 planes worth around US$ 48 billion are on order.

The airline currently employs more than 2,300 flight deck crew, spanning 85 nationalities.

Last week, Emirates announced that it was also looking to recruit around 3,000 cabin crew.

Full details Emirates recruitment sessions across the world can be found via www.emiratesgroupcareers.com