Clearly the attrition rate cannot be a consistent 5-10% each month. That is simply not sustainable and Emirates would be cancelling several flights per day/week/month if attrition were that high each month.

The real proof of their pilot situation is just like at other airlines around the world. When they are truly hurting for pilots they initially require more block hours from pilots on staff and increase recruitment activities. If that is insufficient they will then reduce required qualifications. Lastly they will begin to improve pay/benefits and working conditions. What has Emirates been doing in this list? From what I can read here and in other places is that they are requiring more block hours from pilots (and reducing or eliminating vacations) and they are stepping up recruitment activities. So clearly they are feeling the pinch at some level. They may have even begun to reduce required qualifications. But clearly they are not at the point where they are desperate enough to improve pay/benefits and working conditions.

Emirates does have a great product for its passengers and has clearly become a global force in air transportation. But for most of us Dubai is a LONG way from home and if you are a westerner, it is surrounded by a lot of not so friendly places. When those factors are combined with the 800 pound gorilla located northeast east of Dubai, China, that is offering ungodly amounts of money, commuting contracts and the ability to remain in the left seat, or in some cases a very quick upgrade for experienced FOs, Emirates has lost a lot of its lustre. In all honesty I hate China. But I make significantly more than I would at Emirates, and I have a commuting contract that allows me to still maintain my residence in the country of my choice, and I get six months vacation annually. In many ways I would be attracted to Emirates, but until they can come close to what I currently have, they are out of luck.