Emirates is looking for 5 thousand flight attendants worldwide. Salary of 2,500 euros net per month, 30 days of holidays and hyper-discounted travel

Interview by the «Corriere» with Samantha James, vice president of cabin crew of the Middle Eastern carrier. From height (minimum) to tattoos (not visible) to training and career progression – here are all the details

In twelve months, Emirates has added 2,600 flight attendants on board its aircraft, the giants of the skies, the Airbus A380s, and the Boeing 777-300s. An average of 7 per day. As of March 31, the airline that flies almost all over the world had 21,690 hostesses and stewards. A number that will rise this year by another 5 thousand units, he says in an interview with the Courier Samantha James, vice president of cabin crew of the Middle Eastern carrier. Not only to strengthen the «army of the air», but also to introduce it into the next type of aircraft, the Airbus A350. Training, James says, takes place at its headquarters in Dubai. And the search “is open to both beginners and experienced candidates.”

What flight attendant are you looking for?
«We are looking for people who have a passion for hospitality, to offer customers an unforgettable travel experience. The ideal candidate will obviously also have to be attentive to safety on board.”

And what do candidates have to offer to be selected by you?
«To be considered a member of the Emirates cabin crew, you must:
• have a good knowledge of written and spoken English (other languages ​​are a plus);
• Knowing how to work in a group;
• have a minimum height of 160 centimeters, reaching 212 centimeters with your arms;
• be able to meet the requirements for a work visa in the United Arab Emirates;
• have a high school diploma
• do not have visible tattoos while wearing the uniform.”

What type of contract is offered and how much do you earn?
«The salary is made up of three items: a fixed base, an hourly wage on operated flights and living expenses. The average net salary is around 2,500 euros (in Economy class). Furthermore, there are other benefits such as:
• spacious, furnished accommodation provided by Emirates (utilities included);
• transportation to and from work;
• participation in the company’s profits;
• 30 days annual leave with tickets home
• Heavily discounted tickets for family and friends
• comprehensive medical insurance
• Exclusive privileges and discounts at thousands of brands and retail stores, clubs, clinics, hotels.”

How are the work shifts organised?
“Cabin crew work to a monthly schedule which they receive two weeks before the start of the month, giving them ample time to plan breaks. They have about eight days off every month.”

What are flight attendants’ favorite routes?
«Our cabin crew can fly to over 135 cities in over 77 countries, so I can certainly say that no route is the same. Emirates also allows you to volunteer for preferred flights, meaning crew can return home and meet family during celebrations or layovers. Different crew members have different preferences.”

How long does the training at Emirates last before boarding?
“The training lasts seven and a half weeks to provide the highest standards of hospitality, safety and service that Emirates customers have come to expect. But also to develop the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team, to remain mentally strong and calm under pressure, and to become ambassadors of an iconic brand.”

Can you choose whether to work in Economy, Premium, Business and First class?
«Our cabin crew starts their journey in Economy class, then is promoted to Business class and subsequently to First class based on performance. There is also the opportunity to advance to supervisors and cabin leaders. When they decide to hang up their uniform, many find success in onshore roles such as instructors, recruiters and in roles within the Emirates group.”

Does Emirates prefer already experienced assistants or does it choose more from those who have yet to be?
«We train all new hires, so we have no preferences: the “new” one has the opportunity to learn our approach to hospitality from scratch, while those who already have experience certainly have the advantage of knowing what to expect».

How many Italian flight attendants are there at Emirates?
“We have over 710.”

And in general, how many nationalities are there for hostesses and stewards?
“Emirates’ multicultural team of flight attendants come from over 140 nationalities and speak up to 70 languages, so customers can always expect to converse in a warm, friendly voice in their own language.”

Is there a chance to make the leap from the aircraft cabin to the Emirates headquarters offices?
«Crew have the opportunity to apply for internal positions throughout the group. From providing the best customer experience in Economy Class to managing and leading the entire team as a steward, the career progresses as the employee grows in knowledge, skills and confidence.”

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