UAE airlines are gearing up for another busy travel season with increased hiring for pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff. Industry experts report a notable rise in salaries and benefits, reflecting the surge in demand for aviation professionals.
According to industry consultants, cabin crew salaries have seen an average increase of 5-10% compared to last year. A recruitment expert specializing in aviation noted in a Gulf News report, “There is a possibility of pay scales going up by 20% this year itself as and when airlines receive their new aircraft.”
Currently, full-service carriers offer cabin crew salaries ranging from Dh9,500 to Dh11,500 on average, while low-cost carriers provide up to Dh8,500. In the UAE, a first officer’s basic salary is Dh31,341 per month, with an ‘enhanced package’ for pilots starting at Dh35,000 and above.
The latter half of this year and early next year could see further increases in industry-wide compensation as Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air prepares to launch its services. Other Gulf carriers continue to hire as travel demand in the region remains strong.
Air Arabia CEO Adel Abdulla Ali highlighted the airline’s growth, stating, “Given that Air Arabia’s business is growing at 11%, we aim to boost the airline’s workforce by an additional 10 to 12%.” The Air Arabia Group currently employs 5,000 staff across its hubs and plans to expand its fleet to 90 aircraft, including leased jets, to meet the rising travel demand.
Emirates, which announced in January its plan to recruit 5,000 cabin crew members for its upcoming A350s, confirmed in April that it would continue to increase pilot hires and their salaries.
