Emirates celebrates a milestone in its employee history in April 2015, with its cabin crew team crossing 20,000 staff.
Instantly recognizable all around the world, Emirates cabin crew is a vibrant group that comprises over 135 nationalities that speak over 55 languages. Reflective of the cosmopolitan DNA of Dubai, the multi-cultural mix is also core to the personality of Emirates and its crew.
The growth of the cabin crew team has been steadily increasing in line with the arrival of new aircraft and new routes being added to the network. This year, Emirates expects to hire over 5,000 new cabin crew. The airline currently employs nearly 150 Sri Lankans as cabin crew and will host regular ‘Open Day’ recruitment events in Colombo in 2015-16.
“Our cabin crew are our greatest brand ambassadors. They interact daily with our customers at 35,000 feet in the air and also at major exhibitions and events around the world where Emirates has a presence. From the safety and security of our customers onboard, to looking after their well-being and delivering a memorable flight and brand experience, our cabin crew truly embody what we stand for at Emirates. Now at 20,000 cabin crew, we have come a long way in a short span of time and we are proud to celebrate this milestone with our talented and passionate team,” said Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Service Delivery Terry Daly.
Emirates offers its crew diverse future prospects within a truly global company. There are many opportunities for progression within the airline as well as being promoted through the cabin crew ranks. Many crew progress from Economy Class to Business Class in less than 18 months and others who stay on have become Pursers or cabin crew leaders onboard in around five to six years.
Emirates’ cabin crew often come from other professions and have opportunities to move to other departments as well. From accountants, economists, medics, and musicians for example, Emirates’ cabin crew community brings together diverse skills and different perspectives to the company.
Cabin crew are offered an entire employment package, which includes free of charge high standard, shared accommodation in Dubai, free accommodation utilities such as water and electricity, free transport to/from work, free insurance, medical and dental cover, as well as exclusive discounts on shopping and leisure activities in Dubai.
For many of Emirates’ cabin crew team, the company’s attractive concessional travel benefits for themselves as well as their families and friends, is a big boon - particularly as Emirates’ growing global network offer many travel opportunities to over 140 destinations across six continents.