Emirates Pilot Roadshows 2025: How to join in Canada, Europe and Asia
Dubai-based airline targets 1,500 new pilots by 2026 recruitment strategy
DUBAI – Emirates Airline is preparing to welcome aspiring aviators at its global pilot recruitment roadshows, spanning Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe between September 2025 and January 2026.
These events are aimed at professional pilots seeking opportunities to join one of the world’s largest all-wide-body fleets, with career pathways available for Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command candidates, First Officers and Non-Type Rated pilots.
Each session offers insights from Emirates’ Pilot Recruitment Team and serving pilots, providing valuable information on fleet operations, training, assessments, and life in Dubai. Partners are encouraged to attend, with relocation support and lifestyle benefits also covered
With Emirates planning to hire over 550 pilots in 2025 and a total of 1,500 by 2026, the roadshows mark a key moment in the airline’s global expansion strategy.
Canada – September 2025
The roadshow series begins in Canada, offering multiple opportunities for pilots to attend in three major cities. Sessions are available in both morning and afternoon time slots.
Montreal
- 09 September: 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
- 10 September: 10:00 AM
Calgary
- 11 September: 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
- 12 September: 10:00 AM
Toronto
- 14 September: 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
- 15 September: 10:00 AM
These Canadian sessions align with Emirates’ wider drive to attract experienced pilots from North America to support its expanding network and fleet.
Europe – October 2025
In October, the focus shifts to southern Europe with events in Spain and Portugal.
Alicante, Spain
- 14 October: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- 15 October: 10:00 AM
Porto, Portugal
- 16 October: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- 17 October: 10:00 AM
Barcelona, Spain
- 19 October: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- 20 October: 10:00 AM
Pilots attending these sessions will learn more about Emirates’ command upgrade opportunities, including the Accelerated Command pathway that fast-tracks First Officers to Captaincy on wide-body aircraft.
Southeast Asia – Nov to Dec 2025
Vietnam hosts the Southeast Asian segment of the recruitment roadshows, with events in both the capital and the country’s commercial hub.
Hanoi
- 28 November: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- 29 November: 10:00 AM
Ho Chi Minh City
- 30 November: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- 01 December: 10:00 AM
These sessions will highlight Emirates’ career progression programmes and the experience of flying the airline’s global network, which spans 148 destinations across six continents.
Balkans & Eastern Europe – Dec 2025 to Jan 2026
The roadshow concludes in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, where multiple capitals will host events across December and January.
Athens, Greece
- 08 December: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- 09 December: 10:00 AM
Belgrade, Serbia
- 10 December: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- 11 December: 10:00 AM
Budapest, Hungary
- 12 December: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- 13 December: 10:00 AM
Warsaw, Poland
- 19 January: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- 20 January: 10:00 AM
Riga, Latvia
- 21 January: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- 22 January: 10:00 AM
Prague, Czech Republic
- 24 January: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- 25 January: 10:00 AM
These events mark the closing phase of Emirates’ 2025–2026 recruitment drive, ensuring pilots across Eastern Europe and the Balkans have a chance to explore opportunities with the airline.
What happens at a roadshow?
Each event covers Emirates’ selection process in detail, including the COMPASS test, simulator assessments in Amsterdam and London Gatwick, logbook reviews and medical checks. Shortlisted candidates are invited to Dubai for final assessments and tours of company-provided accommodation.
Pilots also gain direct knowledge of Emirates’ benefits, from contracts and salaries to travel perks and community life. Presentations include discussions with serving Emirates pilots, providing real-life insights into the journey from recruitment to the flight deck.
Perks, salaries and lifestyle
Emirates pilots enjoy one of the most attractive compensation packages in the aviation industry. Captains typically earn in the region of Dh58,000–Dh62,000 per month tax-free, while First Officers can expect Dh30,000–Dh36,000 per month, depending on experience and fleet assignment. In addition to a basic salary, pilots benefit from profit-sharing schemes, a provident fund, and retirement benefits.
Housing is fully covered, with pilots and their families living in spacious villas or apartments within secure gated communities. Chauffeur-driven transport to and from work is standard, while medical, dental and life insurance cover extend to immediate family.
Annual leave is generous at 42 days, with tickets for the entire family in Business or First Class, plus heavily discounted travel for wider family and friends. Pilots are also eligible for the Emirates Platinum Card, unlocking exclusive privileges and discounts at leading retail stores, restaurants, clinics and leisure facilities in Dubai and worldwide. Membership of the Premium Club adds access to selected health and fitness clubs across the city.
Life in Dubai offers international schools, thriving expatriate communities, modern infrastructure and world-class leisure facilities. Pilots form part of a diverse community, with colleagues from more than 110 nationalities and a workforce that now exceeds 60,000 people globally.
Emirates’ network
Since the start of 2022, nearly 2,000 new pilots have already joined Emirates, strengthening a global flight crew that is approaching 4,600 strong. The airline’s modern wide-body fleet now totals more than 260 aircraft, including Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s and the newly introduced A350s.
Emirates’ Accelerated Command programme continues to attract attention, offering experienced First Officers the chance to progress to Captaincy faster than traditional timelines. More than 80 pilots are already advancing through this pathway, with many preparing to take command of the airline’s flagship aircraft.
As Emirates expands its network of 148 destinations, the airline is investing heavily in pilots who are ready to take on a career with unparalleled global scope, industry-leading pay, and the chance to fly the world’s youngest and most advanced fleet.