First Officer jobs in Dubai are open at Emirates, which is recruiting First Officers for its Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleet based in Dubai. The airline operates one of the most modern widebody fleets in the skies, and First Officers fly to more than 140 destinations from Dubai International Airport. No closing date is stated on the official posting, so qualified pilots should apply early.
Emirates is looking for motivated and technically proficient pilots who deliver excellence. When you join the Emirates Group, you will be working in a fast-paced environment and quickly develop alongside a team of professionals with diverse skills, expertise and knowledge from all over the world. It is a role for experienced jet pilots — a minimum of 2,000 hours total flying time, current Boeing or Airbus fly-by-wire experience, and a valid ICAO ATPL — who want a long-term widebody career with one of the world’s largest international airlines.
About Emirates
Emirates is the largest airline in the Middle East and the national airline of Dubai, founded in 1985. From its hub at Dubai International Airport it flies one of the world’s biggest fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, serving more than 140 destinations worldwide. The airline is known for its widebody operation, its global network and the scale of its pilot workforce.
Emirates is part of the Emirates Group, which employs more than 100,000 staff from over 160 nationalities. Pilots are based in Dubai, a modern international city that is home to crews from around the world. The airline offers a structured career path: First Officers develop their experience on the B777 and A380 fleets, and the airline runs command upgrade programmes for pilots who meet its internal criteria.
First Officer (B777/A380): role overview
As a First Officer with Emirates, you fly as second in command, supporting the Captain during all normal and abnormal situations so that safety is maintained at the highest possible level. You will operate the airline’s Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft — and the A350, which shares the Airbus fly-by-wire requirements — on long-haul and ultra-long-haul services from Dubai.
The role is a full flying role, not a training post. You are expected to arrive with the hours, the type experience and the licence the posting requires, and to operate to Emirates’ standard operating procedures from the start. All pilots are based in Dubai, and commuting is not offered, so the role suits pilots ready to relocate and build their career in the UAE.
Key responsibilities
The main duties of the role, as described in the official Emirates posting, are:
- Operate Emirates Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft as First Officer, supporting the Captain in all phases of flight.
- Maintain the highest standards of safety, airmanship and standard operating procedure discipline on every sector.
- Complete all pre-flight and post-flight duties thoroughly, including flight planning review, aircraft checks and documentation.
- Work effectively as part of a multi-crew team, communicating clearly with the Captain, cabin crew and dispatch.
- Keep licences, medical certification and recurrent training fully current at all times.
- Represent Emirates professionally with passengers, colleagues and authorities across the network.
- Develop experience towards command, in line with the airline’s upgrade criteria and training programmes.
Requirements and qualifications
To become a First Officer, you will need a minimum of 2,000 hours total flying time. More experienced First Officers, with 4,000+ hours, can expect an enhanced salary package. The type-specific requirements are:
Boeing 777
- Minimum of 2,000 hours total flying time on a jet of 20 tonnes or more (excluding P3, rotary, and single or multi-engine piston aircraft).
- Minimum of 1,000 hours on Boeing type.
- Minimum of 150 hours within the past 12 months on type.
Airbus A380 and A350
- Minimum of 2,000 hours total flying time on a jet of 50 tonnes or more (excluding P3, rotary, and single or multi-engine piston aircraft).
- Minimum of 1,000 hours on Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft.
- Minimum of 150 hours within the past 12 months on type.
General requirements
- A valid ICAO ATPL and matching Authority Class 1 Medical certificate.
- ICAO English Level 4 or above.
- Current Boeing or Airbus fly-by-wire experience.
- A minimum of 2,000 hours total flying time, with 150 hours in the past 12 months on type.
Pilots with a frozen ATPL (CPL plus ATPL theory exams completed) can be invited for assessment on the provision that they agree to the airline’s frozen ATPL terms and conditions. Applicants should also expect a two-stage selection process: Stage 1 is remote and includes a HireVue video interview, psychometric testing, abstract reasoning testing and a live digital panel interview, and Stage 2 takes place in Dubai over two days and includes simulator assessments, Advanced Compass and the Emirates medical assessment. Certified logbook records are required, and a training bond of USD 42,000 applies for first officers and captains for 42 months.
What Emirates offers
The official posting describes a competitive total remuneration package, paid tax free in Dubai, with travel benefits that are exclusive to the industry, including discounts on flights and hotel stays around the world. The posting also refers to company-provided housing, education allowances, insurance, annual leave tickets, transportation and the company’s contribution to the provident fund as part of the package. No exact salary figure is quoted in this post, because the package depends on experience and family circumstances; full details of pay and benefits are set out on the official Emirates Group careers page and confirmed during the recruitment process.
How to apply for the First Officer job in Dubai
Applications are made through the official Emirates Group careers portal, on the First Officer role page. Candidates should prepare a CV and certified logbook records that show their total flying time, hours on type, recency and licence details, and should check that they meet the Boeing or Airbus requirements above before applying. No closing date is stated on the official posting, so apply early.
Apply here on the official Emirates Group careers page: First Officer – Emirates.
Emirates never charges candidates for recruitment. Job seekers should only apply through the official careers portal and should be wary of anyone asking for payment in connection with an Emirates job.
Frequently asked questions
Where is this job based?
Dubai, UAE, flying from Dubai International Airport with Emirates. All pilots are based in Dubai; commuting is not offered.
What is the closing date?
No closing date is stated on the official Emirates posting. Apply early, because pilot vacancies can close without notice.
How many hours do I need?
A minimum of 2,000 hours total flying time, with 1,000 hours on Boeing type for the B777 or 1,000 hours on Airbus fly-by-wire for the A380 and A350, and at least 150 hours in the past 12 months on type.
What licence do I need?
A valid ICAO ATPL with a matching Authority Class 1 Medical certificate, and ICAO English Level 4 or above. Frozen ATPL holders may be invited for assessment under the airline’s frozen ATPL terms.
What is the selection process?
Two stages: Stage 1 is remote, with a HireVue video interview, psychometric and abstract reasoning tests and a live digital panel interview; Stage 2 is two days in Dubai, with simulator assessments, Advanced Compass and the Emirates medical assessment.
Is a salary stated?
No exact figure is quoted here. The official posting describes a competitive tax-free package with housing, education, insurance, travel and provident fund benefits, with an enhanced package for more experienced First Officers with 4,000+ hours.
To apply for this job please visit www.emiratesgroupcareers.com.
