Sep 20

Succeed at Emirates Pilot Selections

For most aspiring airline pilots, Emirates is the dream job.

Headquartered in Dubai, Emirates has become one of the world’s most prestigious airlines. With a modern fleet, world-class training facilities, and a reputation for looking after its pilots, it stands out not just as an airline, but as a global brand synonymous with excellence and innovation.

Joining Emirates is not easy. Thousands of candidates apply every year, but only a select few make it through the rigorous selection process. To succeed, you need far more than flying skills. You need insider understanding of what Emirates—and Gulf carriers in general—are really looking for.
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Emirates: A fleet and an operation like no other

Emirates operates the largest fleet of Airbus A380s in the world, complemented by one of the biggest fleets of Boeing 777s across multiple variants. In 2024, the airline began introducing the Airbus A350, further modernizing its fleet and reinforcing its long-term expansion strategy.

This fleet composition means pilots get to operate some of the most advanced and iconic aircraft in the sky. For Boeing pilots, there are both passenger and cargo operations, with missions ranging from Europe and the US to Africa and Asia. Cargo pilots even cross the Pacific—an unusual operation for Emirates, opening routes that most passenger carriers don’t touch.

Flying for Emirates means exposure to operations few airlines can match:
 • North and South Atlantic crossings
 • Polar routes
 • The Himalayas
 • Ultra-long-haul missions across six continents

Every flight brings unique challenges, building resilience and global experience.


World-class training, world-class facilities

Emirates training is often described as the best in the world. Its Dubai training center features full-motion simulators, advanced training devices, and continuously updated programs that reflect the latest global standards.

Training at Emirates doesn’t just prepare you for simulator checks—it shapes you into a professional ready to handle any environment, any time.


Lifestyle and benefits: Why pilots stay

Unlike many airlines where pilots can feel like a number, Emirates is known for taking care of its people. The benefits package is among the most competitive in the industry:
 • Chauffeur-driven transportation to and from work
 • Staff travel perks, including business class and even first class for captains
 • Tax-free salary in Dubai
 • Cutting-edge facilities and equipment

This is why Emirates has one of the highest pilot retention rates in the industry for expatriate positions. For many, it’s not just a job—it’s a long-term lifestyle and career.


A multicultural airline

Emirates recruits from all over the world. The result is a truly multicultural flight deck. You’ll fly with colleagues from dozens of nationalities, in an environment where cultural awareness and strong communication skills matter as much as technical proficiency.


Always innovating

Emirates built its reputation on constant innovation. From onboard showers and First-Class suites on the A380 to its ICE inflight entertainment system, it consistently raises the bar. The slogans—“Hello Tomorrow” and “Fly Better”—capture the airline’s ambition to connect people and cultures with ever-improving service standards.


A global brand, a source of pride

Emirates invests heavily in global sponsorships: Real Madrid, Arsenal, rugby, tennis, golf, cricket, and more. Its name is seen on jerseys and stadiums worldwide. For pilots, wearing the Emirates uniform means representing a global brand admired far beyond aviation.


The Emirates Pilot Assessment Process

The Emirates pilot assessment consists of the following stages:
 1. HireVue Interview
 2. Saville Reasoning Assessment
 3. Online Personality Test
 4. MS Teams / Panel Interview
 5. COMPASS Tests
 6. Math Tests
 7. HR and Technical Interview
 8. Simulator Assessment
 9. Medical Check

👉 If the online test result is positive, you’ll be invited for a Teams interview, and after another positive result, to the Dubai assessment centre.


How to Prepare for Each Stage

1. HireVue Interview

Most candidates underestimate this stage. They assume preparation starts later, but the opposite mindset gets you through.
 • Treat it like a live interview: professional attire, confident body language, structured answers.
 • Stage your environment: good lighting, high-quality camera and microphone. Everything counts.
 • Record yourself in practice—timing, tone, and clarity matter.

Well-prepared candidates shine here because most others don’t prepare enough.


2. Saville Reasoning Assessment

A battery of timed logical, verbal, and numerical reasoning tests.
 • Train with Pilotassessments.com or Latestpilotjobs.
 • Practice regularly, not last minute. Focus on accuracy first, speed second.


3. Online Personality Test

Designed to measure values, behavior, and consistency.
 • Don’t try to “game” the answers. Contradictions will be exposed in later interviews.
 • Answer honestly, with pilot competencies in mind.


4. MS Teams / Panel Interview

One of the most important stages—your performance here carries over to the final decision in Dubai.
 • Treat it as seriously as the in-person interview.
 • Stage your environment like you did for HireVue.
 • Aim to shine, not just scrape through—this score follows you.


5. COMPASS Tests

Assessing multitasking, monitoring, memory, and coordination.
 • Practice extensively—don’t go in cold.
 • Pilotassessments.com offers exercises very close to the real thing.
 • Build capacity under pressure.


6. Math Tests

Fast-paced mental and applied math.
 • Review speed/distance/time, fuel burn, and conversions.
 • Practice mental calculations under time pressure.


7. HR and Technical Interview

A deep dive into both your technical and non-technical skills.
 • Expect TMAAT (“Tell me about a time…”) questions—prepare with the STAR method.
 • Be fluent on your current type and basic Boeing/Airbus systems.


8. Simulator Assessment

Usually raw-data on a Boeing type.
 • Focus on CRM, workload management, and resilience—not just stick-and-rudder skills.
 • Brief clearly, manage threats, and communicate effectively.


9. Medical Check

A comprehensive Class 1 medical examination in Dubai.


Why Pilots Fail the Emirates Selection

Most failures are not technical. The main reasons are:
 • Underestimating early online stages (HireVue, Teams).
 • Weak preparation for psychometric/COMPASS tests.
 • Vague or unstructured answers in interviews.
 • Treating the simulator as only a flying test instead of a CRM and capacity test.


The Cost of Failure

Every failed attempt costs dearly:
 • 6–12 months before reapplying
 • Around €1,500 in travel, accommodation, and sim costs
 • At least €15,000 in lost earnings
 • Lost seniority and delayed career progression


ASP: Inside Knowledge from an Emirates Recruiter

The founder of ASP is a former Emirates captain and recruiter. He sat on the other side of the table, selecting pilots for the airline. That insider knowledge is what makes ASP unique.

This expertise became the foundation of our flagship programme: the Advanced Interview Course (AIC).


One Solution for Emirates and All Gulf Carriers

Advanced Interview Course is designed to prepare you with surgical precision—not just for Emirates, but also for Etihad, Qatar, FlyDubai, Saudia, Oman Air, and others who use similar frameworks.

It covers every stage of the process:
 • Psychometric and personality assessments (including 16PF)
 • Competency-based and technical interviews
 • Communication mastery and presentation
 • Simulator preparation with a CRM focus

The course includes 12 structured modules, weekly live practice sessions, and a personalized 16PF debrief. In short, it is the most complete system to secure your seat in a Gulf airline cockpit.


The Bottom Line

Flying for Emirates is a career like no other:
 • A fleet of A380s, 777s, and A350s
 • Ultra-diverse global operations
 • State-of-the-art training
 • A lifestyle and benefits package unmatched in aviation
 • The pride of wearing one of the most iconic uniforms in the world

But getting there is tough. Each failed attempt is expensive and sets your career back. Each success changes your life.

👉 Discover Advanced Interview Course and give yourself the structure, confidence, and insider preparation to succeed—not only at Emirates, but at any Gulf-based airline.