Emirates has been posting full page advertisements in the back of Flight International for the last few weeks. Of course they have been hiring at a steady pace for years, but it would seem the application pool is drying up.

I happen to have a fleet plan valid through 2012 in my hands. The last A340-500 comes this month plus two 777-300ERs. Three more 777-300ERs and an A310 freighter are coming this year then 13 777-300ERs and another A310 freighter next year. The A380 and A340-600 should start in 2007, but it is possible those A340-600s will be swapped for more 777s, The 777-200LR and more 300ERs would be a better choice and Airbus has given them the negotiating power to get out of the A340-600 by being so late with the A380. Speaking of the A380 it is now scheduled for an April 2007 start, but I see that slipping until late 2007 or early 2008. When they do start coming it will be at the rate of one every other month through 2012.

What does all this mean for hiring numbers. Were are just shy of 1300 pilots today with 74 airplanes. That works out to just over 8 crew per airplane. With a projected fleet of 142 by 2012 that would require around 2400 pilots. Counting for attrition that would mean an intake of close to 200 pilots per year for the next 7 years.

Current fleet stands at 29 A330-200s, 8 A340-300s, 9 A340-500s, 2 A310s, 3 777-200s, 6 777-200ERs, 12 777-300s, and 5 777-300ERs.

There should be news coming out of the Dubai Air Show in November on new aircraft.

Preference is given to pilots current ( within one year ) on the 737NG series, 747-400, 757, 767, 777, A320 series, A330, A340, and A300/310. I also see the occasional MD-80/90, Bae-146, 737-200, 747 Classic, MD-11, DC-10, and L-1011 drivers getting hired. They are still refusing to hire people out of the RJs. I had a chat with the manager of pilot recruitment about that and she agrees they would be a good source, but it isn't her decision. That may change soon as I know there are others who agree that is a good source of pilots. We may have a slight management shake-up coming that will eliminate the guy who refuses the RJ drivers.

Check out www.emiratesgroupcareers.com for more info.


Typhoonpilot