Emirates to Hire 20,000 Staff by 2030
Dubai’s flagship carrier unveils one of its largest recruitment drives to support fleet growth and global network expansion.
- Publish date: since 8 hours Reading time: two min read
Emirates airline has announced plans to recruit nearly 20,000 operational staff over the next five years as part of an ambitious expansion strategy tied to an aggressive aircraft delivery schedule and sustained travel demand.
Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer of Emirates, revealed the recruitment goals during a media briefing at the airline’s headquarters in Dubai. The hiring initiative will cover a wide range of roles, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, technicians and airport personnel, to support the carrier’s growing operations.
“We continue to hire to our needs… we will need to recruit close to about 20,000 operational staff from now until the end of this decade,” Al Redha said, underscoring the direct link between workforce growth and Emirates’ expanding fleet and network.
The recruitment push is being driven by Emirates’ fast-paced delivery of new aircraft, including up to 17 or 18 Airbus A350-900s expected this year, which will be deployed on new routes and to increase frequencies on existing services.
Despite geopolitical tensions in parts of the Middle East, the airline says that travel demand remains robust, with no noticeable impact on flight schedules or passenger appetite. Emirates continues to invest not only in human capital but also in enhancements such as onboard Wi-Fi and lounge services.
While the broader commercial aviation industry anticipates significant demand for pilots, engineers and cabin crew over the next two decades, Emirates reports no significant challenges in attracting talent, owing in part to Dubai’s appeal as an international employment destination.
Currently, Emirates employs more than 54,600 staff in the UAE and around the world, up from nearly 50,000 in the previous year, making it one of Dubai’s largest employers.
The airline’s recruitment initiative reflects its confidence in future growth and commitment to meeting rising global travel demand, a vital part of its strategy as it heads into the final years of the decade.