Islamabad, 14 June 2025: Global Recruitment Drive , emirates, the Dubai-based airline, has announced a sweeping hiring campaign aimed at onboarding 5,000 new cabin crew members worldwide this year. The initiative is part of the carrier’s wider strategy to support its expanding operations and newly acquired aircraft fleet.
The airline confirmed that its latest global recruitment drive will cover over 460 cities across six continents, beginning with an invite-only roadshow scheduled for Singapore on June 19. Additional sessions are planned throughout the year, including another event in Singapore on July 19.
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As of June 2025, over 70 members of Emirates’ 24,000-strong cabin crew hail from Singapore. According to the airline, there is no cap on how many recruits may be hired from any one country or region.
In addition to cabin crew, Emirates is actively recruiting pilots. The airline plans to bring on board 1,550 pilots over the next two years, with over 550 expected to be hired by the end of 2025. These hires are intended to bolster the airline’s increasing flight capacity and expanding route network.
Fleet Expansion Fuels Hiring Push
The recruitment effort comes as Emirates continues to expand its fleet. In November last year, the carrier welcomed the first of 65 Airbus A350-900 aircraft the first entirely new aircraft model to join the fleet since 2008.
The airline has also invested in retrofitting several Airbus A380s, now operating in cities like Bangkok, Perth, and Hong Kong. New direct routes have been launched across Asia, including services to Da Nang in Vietnam, Shenzhen in China, and Siem Reap in Cambodia.
To further strengthen its fleet, Emirates has placed orders for 59 additional A350 aircraft and a combination of 205 Boeing 777-9 and 777-8 jets. These aircraft will not only increase capacity but also allow the airline to explore new destinations, the company noted.
Regional Shake-Up Amid Jetstar Asia Closure
The global recruitment drive gains added momentum in the wake of Jetstar Asia’s decision to cease operations. The Singapore-based budget airline a subsidiary of Australia’s Qantas Group will officially shut down by July 31, leading to over 500 layoffs, including cabin crew and corporate staff.
Jetstar Asia’s exit from the market affects 16 routes across Southeast Asia, including flights between Singapore and key cities like Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila. However, Jetstar’s other operations in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan remain unaffected.
Qantas plans to redistribute Jetstar Asia’s fleet of 13 Airbus aircraft across its broader operations in Australia and New Zealand to meet rising domestic demand.
Singapore’s National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has confirmed efforts are underway to match the displaced Jetstar Asia staff with opportunities in the broader aviation sector, including potential roles within Singapore Airlines and its low-cost arm, Scoot.
Both carriers have announced intentions to increase flight frequencies to regional destinations as Jetstar exits the scene.
Emirates’ Growth and Market Confidence
The Emirates Group has reported record-breaking financial results this year, with profits reaching US$6.2 billion. Group Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum credited the performance to strong global demand and effective operational management.
“The Group continues to invest in people and technology to maintain our position as a global aviation leader,” he stated in a recent financial update.
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As part of its future plans, Emirates intends to continue flying its flagship A380 aircraft well into the next decade, signaling a long-term commitment to luxury air travel on high-capacity routes.
With a robust order book, rising international demand, and a workforce poised for expansion, Emirates’ global recruitment drive underscores the airline’s confidence in sustained growth and recovery in global aviation.
