Emirates Pilot Requirements –Updated 2025
Discover Emirates pilot requirements for First Officer, Direct Entry Captain, and Accelerated Command. Documents, medical, and experience – 2025 Updated information
Dariusz Kozera
6/5/20252 min read
Emirates Pilot Recruitment Requirements
Joining Emirates as a pilot is a career-defining move, but understanding the exact requirements is crucial. Emirates offers different pathways depending on your flight experience and aircraft background.
This post explains the official requirements for:
Non-Type Rated First Officers
First Officers (Experienced)
Accelerated Command
Direct Entry Captains
We also cover BMI and medical guidelines based on current Emirates policies.
Non-Type Rated First Officer (FO)
This role is ideal for candidates without a current Boeing or Airbus type rating.
Requirements:
✅ Minimum 2,000 hours total flying time on turboprop or jets (MTOW > 20T)
❌ No P3, rotary, or piston aircraft included
✅ Minimum 150 hours in the past 12 months
✅ Valid ICAO ATPL and unrestricted Class 1 medical
✅ ELP 4 or higher
👉 Apply here – Emirates Careers FO page
Experienced First Officers
If you already fly jets and want to join Emirates with added benefits:
For Airbus candidates:
✅ Minimum 2,000 hours on aircraft with MTOW > 50T
✅ 1,000 hours on Airbus FBW
For Boeing candidates:
✅ Minimum 2,000 hours on aircraft with MTOW > 20T
✅ 1,000 hours on Boeing aircraft
Common requirements:
✅ Minimum 150 hours in past 12 months
✅ Valid ICAO ATPL + matching Authority Class 1 Medical
✅ ELP 4 or higher
✳️ To qualify for enhanced salary package:
→ Minimum 4,000 hours total on >20T jet
→ Minimum 2,000 hours on multi-crew jets with MTOW > 50T
→ ELP 5 or higher
Accelerated Command Program
A fast-track path to the left seat, but with strict criteria:
Requirements:
✅ Minimum 5,000 hours total flying time
✅ 2,000 hours command time on fixed-wing, multi-crew commercial jets (>50T MTOW)
✅ Minimum 1,000 hours PIC on Boeing or Airbus FBW
✅ Currently flying as Captain on Boeing or Airbus FBW
✅ Minimum 150 hours in the past 12 months
✅ Valid ICAO ATPL, Class 1 Medical, and ELP 5+
✅ Aircraft types must be A320/A330/A340/A350/A380 (for Airbus)
Direct Entry Captain – Airbus Only
For highly experienced commanders joining Emirates directly into the A350 or A380 program:
Requirements:
✅ Minimum 7,000 hours total flying time
✅ Currently flying Airbus FBW Wide Body as Captain
✅ 3,000 hours PIC on Airbus FBW Wide Body (A380),
or minimum 1,500 PIC on Airbus FBW Wide Body with total 3,000 PIC on jets >50T (for A350)✅ Minimum 150 hours on type in last 12 months
✅ Valid ICAO ATPL, Class 1 Medical, and ELP 5+
GCAA Medical and BMI Policy
To be issued a GCAA Class One Medical, your BMI must be under 30.
If it’s over, Emirates may postpone your interview until you meet the licensing requirement.
✔️ Keep your BMI in check early — this could affect your eligibility even if all other requirements are met.
Final Notes
💡 The application process is competitive. Emirates may not offer detailed feedback if you're unsuccessful.
❌ Some candidates, especially those who fail HR interviews, are blocked for 2 years.
✅ Others may reapply sooner — for example, those who passed Compass but failed SIM may be invited after 6 months.
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