How to become a Pilot with Emirates

Assuming that you already hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), to become a First Officer with Emirates, you would need to meet the following minimum qualifications:

•  You will need experience on multi-engine, multi-crew aircraft with:
  • Minimum of 2000 hrs on MTOW ≥ 20T OR Minimum of 3000 hrs on MTOW between 10T & 20T
  • A valid ICAO ATPL with an unrestricted class one medical certificate issued by the same authority
  • English language fluency to ICAO English level 4 or above
  • Flown at least 150 hrs within the last 12 months at time of joining on an aircraft with MTOW ≥ 10T

Now, if you are a highly and well-experienced Pilot and has been a proficient commander of another airline, you may join Emirates as a Captain provided that you meet the following minimum requirements:

• Minimum of 7000 hrs total flying time multi- crew, multi- engine (only time in the operating seat of a turboprop and/or turbojet aircraft can be counted; not simulator time)

In addition if flying Airbus A380,

• Minimum of 3000 hrs command time on multi-crew, multi-engine commercial jet aircraft with MTOW of 50 tonnes or more
• Most recent 1500 hours to be command on Airbus FBW wide-body, long-haul (A330/A340/A350/A380)
• Previous experience must include A380 command
• Flown at least 150 hrs in command within the last 12 months at time of joining
• A valid ICAO ATPL with an unrestricted class one medical certificate issued by the same authority
• Fluency in English, equivalent to ICAO English level 5 or above

In addition if flying Boeing 777,

• Minimum of 3000 hrs command time on multi-crew, multi-engine commercial jet aircraft with MTOW of 50 tonnes or more
• Most recent 1000 hours to be command on Boeing wide-body, long-haul (B767/747/777/787) within the past 3 years
• Flown at least 150 hrs in command within the last 12 months at time of joining
• A valid ICAO ATPL with an unrestricted class one medical certificate issued by the same authority
• Fluency in English, equivalent to ICAO English level 5 or above

You can also join Emirates as a B777 or A380 First Officer on an enhanced salary package with an accelerated command upgrade scenario provided that you meet the following minimum requirements:

• Have a minimum of 7000 hours on multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft.
  • Minimum of 3000 hrs command time on multi-crew, multi-engine commercial jet aircraft with MTOW of 50 tonnes or more
  • A valid ICAO ATPL with an unrestricted class one medical certificate issued by the same authority
  • Currently type rated as a commander on an aircraft such as B737, A320 or larger
  • Fluency in English, equivalent to ICAO English level 5 or above
  • Flown at least 150 hrs in command within the last 12 months at time of joining

Training of Emirates Cadet Program will be in Emirates Flight Training Academy with a duration of approximately four (4) years and is divided into three main phases:

• First phase (Foundation Programme): takes place in Dubai at Emirates Flight Training Academy. Duration of this Phase will be 18 weeks and will include Aviation Science courses foundation.
• Second Phase (Flight Training Programme): takes place in Emirates Flight Training Academy for 24 months. This phase will provide approximately 273 hours of flight experience to trainees, and give them a course completion certificate, Commercial Pilot Licence with Multi Instrument Rating (CPL/multi IR) and Multi Crew Cooperation Course (MCC).
• Third Phase (Conversion and Line training): takes place in Emirates Flight Training Academy. Upon completion of this phase, trainees are ready to fly large jet aircrafts.

To apply in the Cadet Programme, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Candidate should hold a valid UAE passport and Khulasat Al Qaid
• 18 – 26 years old
• Minimum: Grade 12 secondary school certificate – Average score of 85%
• Good command of written and spoken English
• TOEFL: 510
• Military Service Status
• Medically Fit

Note that Ministry of Education attestation is required for certificates.

You may also visit How can I join the Emirates Pilot Training Program – a dedicated page for Emirates Cadet Pilot Programme.

All information herein is obtained from Emirates. Please always check their website to stay updated.

The following salaries include Basic salary + flying pay per month

• First Officer: AED 30,358 (~ USD 8,265)*
• Captain: AED 43,013 (~ USD 11,710)*
• First Officer (thru Accelerated Command): AED 35,313 (~ USD 9,614)*

*based on avg. 85 hrs / month

Last Update:  August 2021

This page only intends to share any credible available information on how you can be a pilot with Emirates. The information provided above is based on the official website of Emirates. We have provided you with the information as accurately as possible. However, we highly encourage you to always check with Emirates directly to keep updated on their hiring statutes, opening of pathway or cadet pilot programs, and additional requirements, if any.

Check out how to become a Pilot in the UAE to know more about the minimum requirements, pilot training options, and airline programs.