Emirates Airlines made a significant announcement on World Pilots’ Day, revealing plans to hire more than 1,500 new pilots over the next two years as part of its ambitious global expansion strategy. The Dubai-based carrier, which already boasts an elite team of 4,600 aviators, is looking to recruit over 550 pilots in 2025 alone.

This recruitment drive is a response to the airline’s ongoing fleet and route growth, as well as the aviation industry’s recovery from recent disruptions, and underscores Emirates’ commitment to maintaining its position as a world leader in air travel.

To attract top talent from around the world, Emirates’ recruitment team is hosting roadshows in more than 40 cities globally. Recent sessions have taken place in Italy, with upcoming events scheduled in Norway, Finland, and Sweden. These roadshows provide aspiring pilots with the opportunity to learn about Emirates’ operations, training programs, and career advancement opportunities, and to meet with recruitment specialists in person.

The airline is seeking candidates for a variety of roles, including Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command candidates (who are fast-tracked from First Officer to Captain), Type-Rated First Officers, and Non-Type Rated First Officers. The Accelerated Command program has already seen more than 80 pilots on the path to becoming captains, highlighting Emirates’ investment in rapid career progression.

Emirates’ pilots operate one of the world’s youngest and most technologically advanced fleets, consisting of 261 wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s, and the latest Airbus A350s. The airline serves more than 148 destinations across six continents, offering pilots the chance to experience diverse flying environments-from bustling metropolises to serene island destinations.

The job comes with a suite of thoughtfully curated benefits, such as tax-free salaries, profit-sharing, comprehensive insurance, luxury accommodation in Dubai, generous annual leave, and travel perks for family and friends. These benefits are designed to attract and retain the best talent in the industry.

The requirements to become an Emirates pilot are rigorous and reflect the airline’s commitment to safety and excellence. Candidates must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), a Class 1 Medical Certificate, and have a minimum of 1,500 total flying hours (with higher requirements for command roles).

Additional qualifications include fluency in English (ICAO Level 4 or above), specific type ratings on aircraft such as the A380 and 777, and the ability to pass technical, psychological, and simulator assessments. Emirates also values continuous professional development and encourages candidates with military flying experience or additional language skills to apply.

In terms of compensation, Emirates pilots enjoy some of the most competitive packages in the industry. Captains can expect a monthly basic salary of approximately AED 44,500–46,670, while First Officers start at around AED 30,125–31,341 per month, with additional flying pay and a range of allowances.

All salaries are tax-free, which significantly increases take-home pay. Other benefits include fully furnished accommodation, education allowances for children, medical and dental insurance, and retirement plans. The application process is comprehensive, involving online submission, technical and psychological assessments, interviews, simulator evaluations, and background checks. Successful candidates are then invited to relocate to Dubai and complete Emirates-specific training and orientation.

Emirates’ proactive approach to workforce planning is evident in its recent hiring history. Since 2022, the airline has welcomed nearly 2,000 new pilots, reflecting its confidence in the future of the aviation sector and its dedication to operational excellence. The current recruitment drive is not just about filling vacancies; it is a strategic investment in the airline’s long-term growth and its ability to deliver exceptional service to passengers.

By expanding its pilot workforce and investing in talent development, Emirates is positioning itself to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving industry, ensuring that it continues to set the standard for excellence in global air travel

Riyadh Air is making headlines with its ambitious expansion plans, having recently secured 11 strategic agreements during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. These partnerships will allow the airline to extend its operations to 125 countries, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.

Collaborations with established entities such as DNATA, Discover the World Momentum, Aviareps, and Satguru Representation Services aim to enhance the airline's global footprint and streamline travel experiences for customers.

Osamah Alnuaiser, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Riyadh Air, stated that these agreements reflect the airline's commitment to becoming a true global player. “These partnerships will push the boundaries of travel for our guests and reinforce our determination to offer exceptional service,” he noted.

The focus will be on improving customer experiences across key regions including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia, and Africa, showcasing the rich hospitality that Saudi Arabia is known for.

In addition to enhancing connectivity, Riyadh Air is also focused on technological innovation. The airline has partnered with Loyalty Juggernaut to develop a next-generation loyalty program, which will utilize advanced analytics to deliver personalized rewards and engagement opportunities for travelers. This initiative is aimed at fostering customer loyalty and enhancing overall satisfaction.

Furthermore, Riyadh Air is working with major travel technology distributors like Amadeus and Sabre to implement cutting-edge retail solutions that will streamline the booking process. These technological advancements are intended to modernize the airline's digital strategy and improve the overall customer journey.

As the airline gears up for its inaugural flight later this year, it plans to connect Riyadh with over 100 international destinations by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and significantly boost the tourism sector.

The establishment of Riyadh as a major global aviation hub is expected to attract millions of visitors, contributing to economic growth and positioning the country as a vital player in the international travel market.

In summary, Riyadh Air is poised to transform the landscape of air travel with its extensive partnerships and innovative strategies, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a global tourism destination.

Qatar Airways is reportedly preparing to place a substantial order for about 100 widebody aircraft from Boeing, with the possibility of securing options for an additional 100 jets, according to a detailed Bloomberg report. This significant purchase is expected to be officially announced during U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, underscoring the deal’s importance both commercially and politically.

The order will primarily feature Boeing’s newest widebody models, including the 777X and 787 Dreamliner, which are designed to enhance long-haul operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and overall fleet modernization.

The Boeing 777X, available in the 777-8 and 777-9 variants, offers seating capacities ranging from approximately 395 to 426 passengers in a typical two-class layout, with impressive ranges of up to 8,745 nautical miles for the 777-8 and 7,285 nautical miles for the 777-9. This aircraft incorporates cutting-edge technology such as advanced aerodynamics, composite wings with folding wingtips, and the latest GE9X engines, resulting in fuel savings and emissions reductions of around 10% compared to previous models.

Additionally, the 777X boasts a wider cabin with larger windows, higher ceilings, and improved cabin pressurization and humidity, all contributing to a more comfortable passenger experience.

Currently, Qatar Airways operates a fleet that includes 64 Boeing 777s and several 787 Dreamliners, both recognized for their spacious interiors, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and premium business class offerings like the Qsuite. The 787 variants provide business class seats that convert into fully flat beds up to 80 inches long, personal entertainment screens, onboard Wi-Fi, and innovative features such as electronically dimmable windows.

The 777 series accommodates up to 42 business class seats and nearly 400 economy seats, delivering a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers.

This forthcoming order will allow Qatar Airways to phase out older 777s and Airbus A380s, supporting the airline’s ambitious plan to boost its annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 80 million within the next five to six years. By investing in the latest aircraft technology, Qatar Airways aims to maintain its status as a leader in long-haul travel with one of the most modern and efficient fleets worldwide.

If finalized, this deal would represent one of the largest widebody aircraft purchases in recent history and reinforce Boeing’s position in the competitive global aviation market.

Qatar Airways is ramping up its transcontinental reach, unveiling major expansions to its North and South American routes this summer. The airline will boost its service to Toronto, Canada and São Paulo, Brazil in response to surging demand for international travel.

Starting June 19, Toronto will see an increase to five weekly flights, with plans for daily service by winter. Just days later, on June 25, São Paulo frequencies will rise to 17 flights per week, enhancing the airline’s footprint in South America’s largest city.

Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the strong passenger response since the carrier’s launch at Toronto Pearson Airport in December 2024. “We proudly announce the increase in flights to meet the growing demand for our award-winning travel experience,” Antinori said.

With Toronto emerging as a vital entry point for Canadian travelers, Qatar Airways’ expanded schedule aims to bolster connectivity to Doha and onward destinations, especially ahead of the busy winter season.

In the south, São Paulo’s status as a strategic hub for both business and leisure is being reinforced. “These expansions underscore our commitment to providing seamless global connectivity through Hamad International Airport,” Antinori noted, referencing the Doha-based hub recently crowned World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax 2025.

Travelers will also benefit from continued access to 55 Latin American destinations through the airline’s partnership with LATAM Airlines, offering smooth onward journeys to cities like Buenos Aires, Lima, Santiago de Chile, and Rio de Janeiro.

With its latest boost in flight frequencies, Qatar Airways is positioning itself as a premier bridge between the Middle East and the Americas — just in time for a global summer of travel.

 Emirates is strengthening its footprint in China with the launch of daily non-stop flights to Hangzhou, marking a strategic expansion into one of Eastern China's key economic hubs.

Starting July 30, subject to government approval, the Dubai-based airline will begin servicing Hangzhou daily, bringing its total number of gateways into mainland China to five. The new route adds to Emirates’ existing operations in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

With this latest addition, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to China — including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai, and daily flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and now, Hangzhou.

The move comes as Emirates SkyCargo continues to report robust demand from China, currently transporting around 2,000 tons of cargo weekly. The airline confirms that all routes into the country are operating at full capacity, reflecting the strong rebound in freight movement even as passenger traffic has yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels.

Beyond cargo, the new Hangzhou service is expected to enhance connectivity for travelers heading to or from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The flight schedule is designed to offer smooth two-way connections to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, and 11 in the Middle East, including major cities such as Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg.

Earlier this year, Emirates became the first Middle Eastern carrier to launch flights to Shenzhen, underlining its commitment to China’s vast and dynamic aviation market. Industry analysts say this latest expansion signals the airline’s confidence in the long-term potential of Chinese outbound travel — and its determination to be at the forefront of that growth.

Saudi Arabia’s budget airline flynas is gearing up for a major market debut as it readies to go public with a 30% stake offering—up to 20% of which is open to retail investors. This IPO positions flynas as the next big name in the GCC aviation sector to join the stock market.

The institutional book-building process is slated to wrap up by May 18, while retail investors can subscribe starting May 28. The final allocation is scheduled for June 3, with the listing date on the Saudi Tadawul exchange to be announced soon.

As the Kingdom aims to diversify and strengthen its capital markets, flynas is riding a wave of regional aviation growth. In just the first nine months of 2024, the airline transported 10.9 million passengers across its 72-destination network, a reflection of its expanding footprint. It has also placed substantial aircraft orders—130 A320neos and 30 A330neos—to fuel future growth.

The airline’s financials are also climbing. Revenues reached SR434 million in 2024, up from SR401 million a year prior, contributing to a full-year revenue tally exceeding SR7.5 billion.

“This IPO offers investors the opportunity to participate in the growth journey of a high-value airline operating within one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets — the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the GCC,” said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas.

With investor interest in regional aviation heating up, flynas is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the skies—and now, on the stock exchange.