United Arab Emirates – During Dubai Airshow 2025, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, convened with a delegation of Emirati pilots from Emirates Airline, reaffirming the carrier’s strategic focus on developing national talent within its flight deck community.

• The meeting, held at the Royal Pavilion, included Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman & CEO of Emirates.

• Approximately 40 Emirati pilots — among them two women — met with Sheikh Mohammed and presented their contributions to Emirates’ global operations.

• Emirates currently has nearly 900 UAE Nationals serving as Captains and First Officers across its fleet.

• More than 300 Emirati cadets are enrolled at the Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA), reflecting the airline’s broad investment in home‑grown pilot development.

• This initiative aligns with Emirates’ broader growth strategy, which includes plans to hire over 1,500 new pilots in the next two years to support fleet and network expansion.

Source: Emirates & Local Media Reporting
Photo Credit: Emirates