Dubai: Emirates cabin crew numbers cross 20,000

Dubai’s Emirates has announced that its cabin crew numbers have crossed 20,000 and it is continuing to recruit more globally to meet its planned growth trajectory.

Since 2022, the airline has hosted recruitment events in 340 cities across six continents.

The Emirates cabin crew uniform has undergone four transformations in three decades, including a design by Spanish designer Paco Rabanne in 1997.

The airline has consistently kept the iconic beige, and the subtle modern tweaks have stayed true to the elegant and classic style the uniform has echoed over the years.

Two cabin crew who’ve worn most of these uniform variations include the airline’s longest serving cabin crew – a male Emirati purser who joined in 1987, and the longest serving female cabin crew, who joined the airline in 1994.

Moosa Mubarak, Emirati purser and Emirates’ longest serving cabin crew, said: ‘I’ve flown as Emirates’ cabin crew for 36 years on over 3,500 flights.

Even now, after all these years, I’m always keen and excited to start my duty onboard. Mentoring my crew colleagues and serving as an ambassador for Emirates and my country is what I am most proud of. I have had a long and successful career, incredible experiences and have made mind-blowing memories doing exactly what I love.’

Diverse Emirates cabin crew team

The airline represents a diverse team of over 140 nationalities with 130 languages spoken.

Many crew have long been a part of Emirates’ growth story with over 4,000 crew serving between five to nine years; close to 3,000 serving between 10–14 years; over 1,500 crew serving 15–19 years; and some 400 crew members having crossed the milestone of 20 years of service.

Three crew members have been with the airline for more than 30 years.

Career progression opportunities for cabin crew include upgrading to a higher cabin, becoming a cabin supervisor, trainer or purser. Today the airline has over 1,100 pursers who have moved through the ranks from junior cabin crew, after successfully completing rigorous training and assessments.

Cabin crew also have access to the latest training programmes, LinkedIn courses and the opportunity to apply for internal vacancies throughout the Emirates Group.

Seeking global talent

Revving up for its next growth phase, the airline will host global recruitment events covering hundreds of cities all year round.

Emirates offers cabin crew a competitive, tax-free salary and flying pay, eligibility for profit share, hotel stay, layover expenses, concessional travel and cargo, annual leave, annual leave ticket, furnished accommodation, transportation to and from work, excellent medical, life and dental insurance coverage, laundry services and other benefits.

Emirates cabin crew can also benefit from the airline’s discounted tickets for friends and family.

All new cabin crew undergo eight weeks of training in hospitality, safety and service delivery in Emirates’ facility in Dubai.

Read: Emirates announces job openings for cabin crew, ground staff