June 5, 2010 - Emirates plans to hire more than 700 pilots over the next 18 months to support new routes, new aircraft and increased frequencies. The airline's recruitment team will be seeking First Officers in Madrid, one of six new destinations to be announced by the airline this year. 

After Madrid - served by Emirates from 1st August - recruitment specialists move to Barcelona and then across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas.  

Capt. Alan Stealey, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President, Flight Operations, said: "We have embarked on a major drive to recruit cockpit crew to support the airline's growth at a time when much of the industry is cutting back.   

Rick Helliwell, Emirates' Vice President of Recruitment, said: ?A career as an Emirates' pilot offers an opportunity to fly aircraft in one of the world's most modern fleets throughout an ever broadening route network.  Due to the massive expansion plans for the airline, pilots at Emirates have the opportunity to progress from First Officer to the Captain's seat quickly, based on industry norms.?  

The airline currently employs over 2,300 flight deck crew, spanning 85 nationalities.  

Spanish First Officer, Santiago Andres, said: ?Working as a First Officer with Emirates has been extremely rewarding. The airline has an extensive route network which has enabled me to fly all over the world. I'm so pleased that my home country of Spain will become an Emirates' passenger route from 1st August. I also really like living in Dubai - the lifestyle is something very special.?  

For the 2009/10 financial year, the Emirates Group announced total net profits of AED 4.2 billion (US$ 1.1 billion), a record increase of 248 percent. The airline's contribution to that profit was AED 3.5 billion (US$ 964 million).