How to Get a Pilot Job with flyDubai?

Embarking on a career with flyDubai Airlines offers aspiring Aerocadet’s full integrated flight training program graduates a dynamic pathway in the aviation industry, with opportunities for progression to esteemed carriers like Emirates. In this articles we will answer popular questions about how to apply for employment as a flyDubai pilot, the prerequisites for its Second Officer (Junior First Officer) program, and how Aerocadet’s specialized training through partnerships can enhance your prospects.​

Understanding flyDubai and Its Fleet

flyDubai, established in 2008, is a Dubai-based low-cost airline that has rapidly expanded its network across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Operating a fleet primarily composed of Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, flydubai has also placed orders for several Boeing 787 Dreamliners to further enhance its long-haul capabilities. While flyDubai operates independently, it maintains a close relationship with Emirates, offering a collaborative network that benefits passengers and employees alike. Notably, pilots who accumulate approximately 2,000 flight hours over three years as First Officers with flyDubai have a favorable pathway to transition to Emirates, leveraging their experience within Dubai’s aviation ecosystem.​

Minimum Application Requirements for flydubai’s Second Officer Program

To be considered for flydubai’s Second Officer (Junior First Officer) program, candidates must meet the following criteria:​

• Age:

  • External candidates: 20 to 35 years​Flying Crews+3Flydubai Careers+3Flydubai Careers+3

  • Internal candidates: 20 to 40 years (with a minimum of 2 years of continuous employment with flydubai)​Easyflight Training+4Flydubai Careers+4Flydubai Careers+4

• Education: Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent​.

• English Language Proficiency: ELP level 4 or above​ (“upper-intermediate”, or IELTS Academic 6.0)

• Medical Certification: Valid FAA or EASA or TCCA 1st Class Medical certificate​

• Licenses and Ratings:

  • For FAA or TCCA program graduates: Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-engine rating (AMEL)​; for EASA program graduates: EASA ATPL (Frozen), with the same ratings.

  • Minimum of 220 total flying hours​ (simulator/FTD does not count – must be flight hours).

  • Boeing 737 (600-900) type rating with at least 52 hours of Full Flight Simulator training​ (provided by CAE in Dubai, through Aerocadet‘s partner Sharp Aviation).

Additionally, candidates should be prepared to commit to a 5-year training bond totaling USD 36,000, effective from the final line check until the fifth anniversary, non-prorated. Compensation (salary, after tax) includes a monthly package of AED 22,465, (approx. $6,100 USD) encompassing basic salary, housing, and transportation allowances. Additional benefits feature medical insurance, end-of-service gratuity, 36 days of annual paid leave, concessional tickets for family and friends, an open-ended contract, annual leave ticket, and pilot income protection. ​

Enhancing Your Job Application Success

For international applicants aiming to join flyDubai, tailored preparation can significantly boost the likelihood of success.Aerocadet, in partnership with Sharp Aviation—a Dubai-based consulting firm staffed by active flyDubai B737 captains—offers specialized programs designed to equip candidates for flyDubai’s rigorous assessments and interviews. This collaboration ensures that our graduates receive insights and training aligned with flyDubai’s specific standards and expectations, and pass the airline assessment process with utmost confidence and high rate of success. 

Upon completing flight training and an initial internship with Aerocadet, candidates undergo preparatory courses focusing on the competencies evaluated during flyDubai’s selection process. Following this, trainees obtain a Boeing 737 type rating tailored to flyDubai’s operational specifications. This comprehensive approach not only prepares candidates for the airline’s selection assessments but also familiarizes them with the aircraft and procedures specific to flyDubai, thereby enhancing their employability.​

By meeting flyDubai’s entry requirements and leveraging specialized training programs, aspiring pilots can position themselves competitively for a role within flyDubai, setting the foundation for a rewarding career in aviation with potential progression to leading global airlines.​

The Best Pathway to flyDubai and Beyond

For international pilots aiming to secure a position with flyDubai and eventually transition to prestigious carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Etihad, the most efficient and cost-effective training and hiring pathway is as follows:

Step 1: EASA ATPL Training and Internship

The journey begins with Aerocadet’s new EASA ATPL (Frozen) flight training and internship program. This program takes candidates from zero experience to earning a restricted (in the EASA lingo, called “frozen”) EASA ATPL certification and an EASA Flight Instructor (FI) rating at Aerocadet’s partner flight training provider (FTP) in Romania.

Upon completing this program and accumulating at least 250-300 flight hours (which requires working as a flight instructor for 2-3 months), pilots will be well-positioned for the next step.

Step 2: flyDubai Assessment Preparation and Type Rating

Once the flight training and initial 250-300 flight hours are completed, pilots can take a short break (3-4 weeks) before traveling to the UAE to begin assessment preparation with Sharp Aviation, Aerocadet’s direct partner in Dubai. Sharp Aviation specializes in flyDubai recruitment preparation and is staffed by active flyDubai B737 captains.

During this phase, candidates will undergo an intensive Boeing 737 type-rating course at Dubai’s CAE facilities, designed specifically to meet flyDubai’s operational requirements. This includes:

• 18 hours of systems integration training on Boeing 737 Fixed Training Devices (FTDs)
• 52 hours of full-motion Boeing 737 flight simulator training

Step 3: Building Experience and Income While Waiting for Selection

After becoming flyDubai employment-ready, Sharp Aviation will ensure that applicants are placed into the official hiring pool. While awaiting a call for the selection process, pilots can return to Romania to continue working as flight instructors. This period allows them to:

• Continue building flight time
• Maintain currency and skill level
• Earn between €2,500 – €3,000 per month (after deductions)
• Repay student loans or recover training expenses

Dont forget: the internship is guaranteed for up to 2 years, or 1500 hours – whichever comes first, and it is extendable for up to 3.5 years if you seek EU permanent residency. 

Step 4: Assessments, Interview, and Job Offer

Once selected from the hiring pool, pilots can take a short break from their flight instructor role and return to Dubai to complete the flyDubai assessments and interview. If successful, candidates receive a Conditional Job Offer (CJO) and remain in a holding pool for 2-3 months until the next available training class.

At this stage, pilots can officially resign from their flight instructor position and prepare to begin their career with flyDubai—a significant milestone towards flying for a major Middle Eastern airline.

Cost Breakdown

Seems expensive? Dont forget, that you can continue earning your expenses back by working as FI at our FTP, earning up to 3000 Euro per month; and once hired, you will be offered a competitive salary of $6000+ USD per month, free Dubai housing, free health insurance, free loss-of-licenses insurance, free private education for your children, and much more.

Need financing? Aerocadet specializes in helping aspiring aviators obtain flight training student loans by offering Student Loan Application Support package. Lear more here >>>

Flowing-up to Emirates

Pilots at flydubai with at least 2,000 hours of jet experience have promising career advancement opportunities, particularly through transitioning to Emirates Airline. Emirates has broadened its recruitment criteria to include First Officers who are non-type rated, meaning those with experience on turboprop or jet aircraft. This initiative allows pilots to be trained to operate Emirates’ all-wide-body fleet, including Boeing 777s and the upcoming Boeing 777-Xs expected to enter service from 2025. ​Naturally, since flyDubai pilots are already working as airline pilots under the Emirates umbrella, they have an advantage of being selected for the “flow up” program to become pilots with Emirates.

Dont forget, that Emirates offers competitive, tax-free salary packages to its pilots. For First Officers, the basic monthly salary ranges from AED 31,341 to AED 33,781 (approximately USD 8,500 to USD 9,200), with additional flight pay based on flying hours.Captains receive a basic monthly salary of approximately AED 46,670 (around USD 12,700), with total monthly earnings, including flight pay, reaching about USD 14,000. These figures exclude other benefits such as accommodation, education allowances, and profit sharing.

Overall, transitioning from flydubai to Emirates presents a clear pathway for pilots to advance their careers, operate wide-body aircraft, and benefit from enhanced compensation packages.​

Read more about how to get a job with Emirates >>

Important Considerations

To maximize success, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Incorrect Type Rating Spec: Ensure that your Boeing 737 type rating is aligned with flyDubai’s specifications. A mismatched spec rating will not be accepted. For example, a typical B737 type rating in the US consists only of 6 hours of FTDs and 18 hours in a full-motion sim. This is not acceptable by flyDubai.
2. Lack of Interview Preparation: flyDubai assessments are highly competitive. Without professional preparation from airline insiders, your chances of rejection increase significantly.
3. Flight Experience Gaps: The hiring process can take several months. Avoid staying inactive and losing flight currency. Instead, take advantage of Aerocadet’s flight instructor internship to keep your skills sharp and continue building hours while earning a steady income.

Get in Touch!

Interetsed in this program? Check out the full program outline, phase-by-phase explanation of the program content, duration, flight and ground hours, pricing and admission requirements here>>>

Ready to enroll? Fill out a free, no obligation online application form here >>>

For additional questions, contact us at info@aerocadet.com or schedule a free consultation call via Calendly >>>