Emirates Airline plans to hire more than 700 pilots over the next 18 months to support new routes, new aircraft, and increased frequencies.
As of today, Emirates recruitment team will be seeking First Officers in Madrid, one of six new destinations to be announced by the airline this year.
After Madrid (served by Emirates from August 1), recruitment specialists will move to Barcelona, and then across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
'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," said Capt Alan Stealey, Emirates' Divisional SVP, Flight Operations.
The airline now has a 147-strong fleet with a further 6 aircraft due to arrive this calendar year. A total of 144 planes worth around Dh176 billion ($48 billion) are on order.
Last week, Emirates also announced it was looking to recruit around 3,000 cabin crew during the current financial year.