UAE

A Closer Look: flying high with Emirates cabin crew recruits

We take a look at what it takes to work for one of the world's best airlines

Sarah Forster
Sarah Forster

October 21, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

A Closer Look is The National's show where we take a more in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.

As one of the world's best-known airlines, Emirates needs to provide a high standard of service to stay on top.

With a fleet of 220 aircraft currently in active service, it needs 16,000 highly trained cabin crew to keep things running smoothly.

However, this elite team of emergency-sliding, fire-extinguishing medical responders do not just turn up to the recruitment drive with these skills.

It takes months of training, practice, exams and recurring checks to ensure they keep their jobs in the sky.

Sarah Forster spent the day at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training College to find out more, then spoke to host Rory Reynolds about the experience.

Read more

Visitors thrilled to be back at newly reopened Dubai Expo City

Expo City Dubai promises unrivalled 'campus town feel' as it reopens to the public

An Emirates cabin crew trainee takes the plunge into cold water with a life jacket on. All photos Pawan Singh / The National
An Emirates cabin crew trainee takes the plunge into cold water with a life jacket on. All photos Pawan Singh / The National
Trainees are taught to huddle in the cold water to conserve heat during an emergency landing on water.
Trainees are taught to huddle in the cold water to conserve heat during an emergency landing on water.
Trainees are shown how to unravel and attach the protective orange cover for the life raft.
Trainees are shown how to unravel and attach the protective orange cover for the life raft.
Despite being taught to stay in the inflatable life raft, trainees are asked to jump in the cold water during emergency landing exercises to learn the proper technique for keeping warm.
Despite being taught to stay in the inflatable life raft, trainees are asked to jump in the cold water during emergency landing exercises to learn the proper technique for keeping warm.
Tania Hettiaratchy, training instructor, watches her class.
Tania Hettiaratchy, training instructor, watches her class.
Trainee Emirates cabin crew leave the Airbus A380 simulator using the inflatable slide.
Trainee Emirates cabin crew leave the Airbus A380 simulator using the inflatable slide.
A trainee opens the emergency exit in preparation for evacuating the aircraft.
A trainee opens the emergency exit in preparation for evacuating the aircraft.
Emirates Cabin Crew Training College is the only one in the world to have a full-sized A380 fuselage.
Emirates Cabin Crew Training College is the only one in the world to have a full-sized A380 fuselage.
Tania Hettiaratchy lectures trainees on how to wear the life jackets for an emergency evacuation on water.
Tania Hettiaratchy lectures trainees on how to wear the life jackets for an emergency evacuation on water.
This cabin replica is where crew members are shown how to serve guests on board.
This cabin replica is where crew members are shown how to serve guests on board.
Crew serve and are served during their training so they learn to appreciate the customer experience.
Crew serve and are served during their training so they learn to appreciate the customer experience.
Trainees form tight bonds with others in their 'batch' and often remain friends for years into their service.
Trainees form tight bonds with others in their 'batch' and often remain friends for years into their service.
Talks on the importance of skin care, including an emphasis on protection against the sun, are part of crew training.
Talks on the importance of skin care, including an emphasis on protection against the sun, are part of crew training.
At the image station, female trainees are taught how to apply their make-up and males are shown the importance of a proper manicure.
At the image station, female trainees are taught how to apply their make-up and males are shown the importance of a proper manicure.
Explained
You might also like
The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More from this package
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Updated: March 06, 2024, 8:26 AM`
Emirates AirlinesA Closer Look

More Episodes

A flag march in Gent, Belgium, in solidarity with Palestinians. AFP

Will Europe’s shift on Israel’s war in Gaza change anything?

A Palestinian boy holds an empty bowl as he waits at a hot meal distribution point in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip, June 4, 2025. The US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) group operating aid sites in the Gaza Strip announced the temporary closure of the facilities on June 4, following a string of deadly incidents near the distribution sites it operates that have sparked condemnation from the United Nations. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP)

Opening of Gaza aid points delayed and new rift in Israeli government

The Urban Treasures that define Abu Dhabi

The Urban Treasures that define Abu Dhabi

Muslims perform morning prayers in the grand mosque during the annual hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 3, 2025. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.

Hajj begins today and Syria builds national army

More podcasts

The UAE Today

The latest news and analysis from the Emirates

          By signing up, I agree to The National's privacy policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
          The UAE Today