Emirates recruits cabin crew from all over the world, and is working hard to meet its expanding needs. The number of cabin crew at Emirates has passed 12,000 and the airline is recruiting 4,000 more during the current financial year.

But competition is strong: the carrier receives 15,000 cabin crew applications every month.

Like the other Gulf airlines, Emirates' cabin crew come from many countries, with a total of 131 nationalities represented.

Although the recruitment process is different from that for pilots, the Dubai-based airline casts its net wide, attracting applicants at special recruitment fairs and industry events such as ITB Berlin, held in March.

Emirates cabin crew are employed on renewable three-year contracts on a starting tax-free salary of Dh3,915 ($1,000) a month, with 50% protected against fluctuations in domestic currencies.

Crew are given their own ­bedroom in shared (same-gender) apartments, and other benefits include a free transport service to and from work and concessionary travel for family.

All recruits go through a five-week training programme at the Emirates Aviation College in Dubai.

What does Emirates look for in its cabin crew? "A positive attitude, confidence, flexibility, maturity, a friendly disposition and, importantly, a genuine passion to help others and to provide quality service," says the airline.

"As the job can be physically demanding, we also look for resilience and a determination to continually perform well."

MECG P08 Emirates-cabin-crew 
 ©Emirates

Source: Flight International