UAE’s Flydubai launches pilot...

Dubai-based low-cost carrier aims to train next generation to meet surging demand

UAE-based Flydubai has launched a pilot training programme to help meet increasing demand as it rapidly expands its fleet and network.

This come amid rapid growth among Middle East airlines, with the region generating the highest net profit per passenger worldwide, more than three times the global average, according to IATA.

Flydubai is no exception, carrying a record 15.4 million passengers in 2024, up 11%, and with 310 aircraft on order and plans to grow beyond its 130-strong destination network, the low-cost carrier is looking to hire 1,700 pilots over the next three years.

Facilitating this, the new Ab Initio Pilot Training programme will be open to young people of all nationalities over the age of 17 years. Cadets who complete initial training will qualify at the Flydubai Flight Training centre to eventually become Boeing 737 commercial pilots.

The programme takes cadets from foundational theory to commercial flight readiness in 18 to 24 months and includes ground school training, simulator and flight instruction and line training, with the first batch of cadets expected to begin training in the last quarter of 2025.

Flydubai currently operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft and has more than 125 Boeing 737 MAX and 30 787 aircraft on order, meaning aspiring pilots can study towards a Multi-Pilot License (MPL).

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO at Flydubai said the programme opens the door to homegrown Emirati talent, as well as residents and international applicants, who are passionate about aviation, to pursue a career in "one of the most thriving hubs in the world".

With ambitious fleet growth plans, the Middle East is experiencing a significant and growing demand for pilots.

According to Oliver Wyman, there is likely to be a global gap of 80,000 pilots by 2032, with the Middle East set to face a shortage of 18,000 pilots, the biggest shortage outside of North America.

Alongside Flydubai, major carriers such as Emirates, Etihad and the newly launched Riyadh Air are aggressively recruiting, with Emirates alone planing to hire 1,700 pilots over the next three years to support its expanding fleet, which includes 310 new aircraft on order.

Flydubai has more than 6,400 employees, including some 1,330 pilots, and serves more than 130 destinations with a fleet of 88 aircraft.

For more information, visit www.flydubai.com

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