I spent a major part of the day browsing for information, called a number of key departments within Emirates and got a few plausible answers as to why they have postponed and halted Cabin Crew recruitment. The sources are non-official and should be taken lightly for that purpose. We are still waiting on an official statement from Emirates on this issue. It shouldn’t be too long before we get clear answers for all the questions you’re having.
First of all, the economic circumstances that every industry is going it through at the moment, more importantly the aviation industry calls for a careful re-planning in strategies and consequently recruitment strategies. While Emirates will not be cutting jobs anytime soon as they say, they have not only postponed hiring new joiners but they have also postponed a number of upgrades within In Flight Services. Cabin Crew are still waiting for their upgrades. I also hear Emirates will assign minimum staff on their aircrafts. Usually aircrafts are staffed with one or two extra crew (ie a B777-300 3 class with 10 doors is usually staffed with one extra cabin crew for each premuim cabin and 2 extra down the back : 3 in first, 3 in business, 6 in economy + seniors, 2 SFS and a purser). They have been looking at how they could reduce costs in all departments. One of the decisions is to cut on extra crew on many flights depending on the loads and the destination. Meaning B777-300 aircrafts would be staffed by the number of doors (in this case 10) adding to that the seniors (3, 2 SFS and one purser). Which means they need less staff on duty and can re-assign duties for those extra crew, resulting in no need to hire more new joiners.
Secondly, aircraft deliveries have slowed down from Boeing. Due mainly to strikes back in early october/november last year. Deliveries have been delayed for approximately 3 to 4 months. Again resulting in not needing much more crew. From Airbus’s side, A380 deliveries should see two jumbo jets coming down the sandpit this year. They will most probably hire crew to staff these two airplanes internally. We have seen announcements for A380 crew displayed around our portal for March 09. They will be opening Seoul Incheon late in November. They also just kicked off a Sydney – Auckland route that is apparently doing very well.
Thirdly, in another attempt to reduce operating costs, Emirates will shut down or reduce frequencies on select routes. The latest was in South Africa where one daily Johannesburg out of the three was taken off. Expect other routes closing down in the future or a re-organisation of the network. European routes are getting very slow at the moment. While asian/indian/australasian routes are still very strong within the network. This results also in why they need less crew. Remember staffing an airplane takes a lot of crew - think hundreds per jet – so taking a route down you can use those crew anywhere else…
Finally, another plausible answer as to why Emirates has halted or postponed their Open Days and Global Assessment days is because of housing here in Dubai. Emirates currently handles 10,000 crew members. All housed in shared appartments throughout the city. Approximately 45 buildings are used solely to accommodate crew. Many of the new joiners have been housed in temporary accommodation (apartment hotels) for their training because of late deliveries from contractors. Buildings do take some time to build and hiring so many crew per week (on average 90 every Thursday !), shortage quickly takes over. They will no doubt take the opportunity in this slowdown of new joiners to sort this accommodation problem out and resume when times are better and buildings are finished.
As for people who have been offered a position as Cabin Crew and then saw it withdrawn by Emirates, I did not get a clear answer. I’m sure they will address the problem very soon. Stay tuned as I will post updates on the whole ordeal in the future. Those reasons are some of many. I’m not an expert, I’m just assuming. Many other factors come into play but those listed above come as obvious to me.
That is all I could manage today !
[...] CHECK OUT MY LATEST POST ON THE ISSUE HERE… [...]
First, thank you Ben for all the information here. Now, does anyone know what happens to those of us who had our final interviews and are still waiting for a reply? In my case, it’s been way over 8 weeks since I had it and I received no rejection or confirmation email yet. I can see it coming from the facts in this post, but I’d still like to -at least- get a rejection email so I can start planning something else. One girl posted yesterday that her DOJ was Feb 13 and her application was withdrawn last week. I assume this poor gal had quit her current job, cancelled credit cards, closed bank accounts, left rented apartment, sold much of her stuff, etc, only to be told she’s not making it in? I hope they can at least send rejection emails early enough to those who are still waiting.
ccARG, I have asked my contacts here at Emirates numerous times what would happen to those of you with withdrawals and each and every of them couldn’t give a clear answer. I really do think it’s a right headache for them and they are trying hard to limit the consequences as much as possible. I do honestly think that this issue is their top priority now at HR New Joiners and honestly think they will come up with a solution anytime soon. I do understand what the people are going through at this time as I went through the exact same process a year ago. I know the stuff that goes through people’s mind when trying to relocate to Dubai and can only imagine the devastating consequences of having an offer of employement withdrawn so close to DOJ. I have no doubt Emirates HR and especially the New Joiners department are well aware of the situation of these people and the reactions posted on forums like PPrune and the likes. They do keep a close eye…
Again, Airboy/Sodwee, I can only thank you for spending your time and checking this for all of us (hopeful dreaming Cabin Crew Wannabes out here)… I think it’s always much better to know a bit of what’s going on than staying in the miserable darkness of doubt.
So it’s the WORLD CRISIS’ fault after all…
For all of you who, like me, have had your wings cut, let’s stay as positive as we can and remember that those wings will grow again.
Good luck!
Thank you Ben for the info…..
I would just like to share my experience with the Open Days still held in Dubai. It is held almost every Sunday. I went yesterday. They asked only for one photograph and our CV along with a very small form they asked us to fill. Then we had to approach the recruitment officer in a line and she would take the documents from us and ask us a few questions. But before all this they announced to all present that they have NOT stopped recruiting but due to the current situation they will take longer to get back to us. Previously they would call us in 3days but now they can only get back to us in 4 to 5 weeks.
I assume the another reason they have stopped Open/Assessment days in other countries is because of the cost of the Agencies they have to use in said country. Maybe that is why they only have the Open days in Dubai now.
Hi Ben, thanks for the info! How many crew do ek have on each aircraft with each different config currently? on the 2 class 77W its Purser, SFS, 4 J crew and 8 Y crew correct? also what are the 10 biggest nationalities in ek? regards
Thanks for the information… it’s good to actually get some answers about what’s going on.
ccARG: My final interview was mid-Jan and i’ve just received a reply from EK. Rejected, along with 2 others from the same interview… but at least, I have a reply of some sort.
All the best to you, hopefully you’ll be able to get it.
thanks a lot for this info!!!! I was really hoping to work for emirates this year but the news are not so positive, so I might just keep on working hard at this job I have, we all have to give more than a 100% this days so we can actually have a job…cause of this crisis.
Good luck to all!
Once again, thanks Ben for all these infos and also for the effort in keeping us up to date about the last happenings.I would like to share my “Emirates Experience” with everyone here as well.From Oct-08 (when I went to the OD) till last week, I was breathing Emirates,thinking Emirates…actually I was living for Emirates…but in a sunny Saturday morning (unexpected, since they don’t work on Saturdays) checking out my inbox, I found myself being told that at the moment, I was not going to be hired anymore.The job offer sent to me weeks ago had been withdrawn.I can’t explain with words what my feelings were at the moment and to actually believe in it, I had to read it over and over and over again.How could that be?I was smelling the Dubai sand coming in the air already and making plans for what was supposed to be the next years of my life.To be honest,something was telling me the worst cuz I tried for many times get in touch with them by phone and the only thing I got was the voice mail box.I feel better now, but sometimes I remember the job offers I had to reject owing to the Emirates Dream,all the things I had to do and mainly people who were supporting me and now are disappointed (even more than myself).
Despite the circumstances, life goes on.
Sorry everyone, but I had to get it off my chest and no matter how long it takes, Emirates here I go!
I’m pretty sure it’s just a turbulence and very soon I’ll be able to spread my wings and fly…
Hi everyone…I’m just scared shitless after reading all your posts!
ccARG, I’m on the same page as you here: I attended final interview in Seville, Spain, late november and still waiting for a contact! No email, no call, no nothing….. getting real desperate as I am aware of the global situation.
My ‘inside’ contact in Dubai tells me that ‘no news is good news’ but I’m freaking out now! I’ll try to call them again, as they’re not returning my emails. I’m portuguese BTW.
DoContra, I hear ya mate….I’m really sorry to hear that. Something’s telling me that I’m just about to experience the same myself…
Cheers guys and good luck to us all!
This from the Emirates Groups Career website. All Open and Assessment Days are now officially
suspended.
http://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/
Cabin Crew Global Assessment Days & Open Days
The Emirates Cabin Crew Recruitment Team currently has no Open days or Global Assessments scheduled at any international destination. However, please continue to check the website regularly and keep your application details updated.
Thank you for your continued interest in Emirates airline and Group.
Cabin Crew Recruitment Management
I doubt very much hiring was suspended because of the lack of buildings, they would definitely have taken that into account, prior to accepting new recruits. And with all the construction boom in Dubai, that is hardly an excuse not to hire.
The reason for this sudden suspension in hiring is no more than the global recession. Nobody’s flying and some routes are suffering really bad. It’s nice to assume it was because of the shortage of space, but it won’t hide the truth.
Well try to say this to the crew living in hotels here !
GOOD NEWS
I’ve received yesterday the final briefing e-mail, with visa and E-ticket. My DOJ is 20th February and I suppose that it’s all ok at this moment… and hope it will be!!!!
I’ve read about people with the same DOJ whose offer had been withdrawn and I’m wondering which is the criteria of this choice…
I had left a rented apartment, resigned from my previous job, closed bank account, sold furniture and car: I don’t know how I could have reacted if they had withdrawn my offer…
Anyway I really want thank AIRBOY as, since September, when I decided to apply for the position of cabin crew, he helped me answering all my questions. Emirates should pay you for this “free service”!!!!
It’s amazing to read your posts in this website and imagine “one day I’ll be there too!!!”
and finally I made it!!!
Hope to meet you in DUB DUB!!!!
ciao!!!
I would like to know will the stop the courses…
my DOJ suppose to be 13 march….
still no final approval
will emirates stop the courses…
my bad
Hi there. My DOJ was on the 6 March and I have just received the email telling me that my application has been suspended until further notice:( I had already handed in my resignation at my job and moved out of my apartment when I received the email!
As depressing as it was to read the email, im just so glad that I was already aware of the situation thanks to your website!
Unfortunately my friend Sarah was not so lucky as she was away on holiday and only saw the email the day before she was due to leave!(13th Feb)
She is in a really bad situation now as she has no job or accommodation and will probably have to fly back home to move in with her parents.
Oh well, nothing to do now but wait and see what happens..I just wish Emirates would give us some idea of how long this is going to take so that we can plan our lives!
I think if you have signed a contract to join a Emirates, and were given a DOJ, and are now told that you will no longer be required, it is not your fault, but yes it is a big fault on the part of Emirates, and technically they are in breach of contract.
I would assume if you had joined them, have gone through the training and then quit, you would be asked to pay back a certain amount for their training and the time you spent with them. I don’t see why those undergoing this are just sitting back and doing nothing about it. Emirates is in breach of contract, you have the right to take action, especially now since you have given up your old job, your apartment, closed your accounts and are good as the homeless person on the street.
Hi, my DOJ was meant to be 20th of Feb and I was currently living abraod with a new job, new aparment and new life when I was offered the position with Emirates in mid Dec after my final interview in Oct.
To my dismay after spending over $1200 of medical costs to obtain the reports for the position, II finnaly send my email on the 10th Feb with all my reports all excited and waiting for that one email to confirm Im in only to recieve an email the next day saying that they have withdrawn the job offer and its unavoidable due to economic situation.
What I dont understand is I had been liasng with the recruitment officer for the past month and only a week prior to recieveing the bad news that he had confirmed another email Id sent with documents. never did anyone from recruitment give me the news that this was the case and just kept me stinging on that I had a job waiting for me and made me spend my money, quit my job, say goodbye to my friends and leave back to home (which is on the other side of teh world) and now be left jobless, homeless and $1200 short .
I really feel Emirates has shown a lack of professionalism and if it was teh other way around I would o paid $2000 for leaving, and no one now is considering that I was fooled to believe I had a job.
I hope they figure out something as I am feeling really let down and a big blow to my dignity.
Has anyone anything so far? I cant get through to them as they all have voicemails on and my recruitment office is on leave!
Hey Paolo, my doj was 20th of Feb too
what country did you have your final interview?
Thanks
Monica
Hey Paolo, my doj was 20th of Feb too
what country did you have your final interview?
Im glad I have this to air out my thoughts as at the moment I feel so alone and confused…
Thanks
Monica
Hi Monica,
I had final interview on 30th October/ I got a positive feedback at the end of November and sent all medicals before Xmas (it took in particular 15 days and 400 euros… why did you spend so much money and took so much time?). I got final approval on 5th January. DOJ was 23rd Jan but was postponed because I had an accident few days before, nothing too bad fortunately…
Isn’t 10th Feb too late to send all medicals reports in DOJ is 10 days later?
I don’t want to judge what you did, just to understand.. maybe they had already chosen who would have joined emirates….
As for what “M” said, you do not sign any contract before arriving in Dubai (Airboy correct me, please). What I have signed by now is the acceptance of an offer proposed by the airline.
I’ll sign a contract in Dubai I suppose…
Anyway I’m very sorry for those whose offer was withdrawn: I was terrified while reading all blogs talking about it as I had left everything here, such as job house etc…
thanks Paolo, well actually I was living overseas in Canada when Im originally from Australia and didnt have medical cover so I paid for everything myself and practically 400 euro is $1200, I admit I took longer than I should as I was iguring out with work and my situation wether Im going home or staying aborad to leave from canada or australia as the ticket is from you home town. Once I got the go ahead I was able to leave from canada I pursued my tests..anyways Im very disapointed and hope they rectify this as soon as possible, Airboy can you please let me know what u find out bout course dates.
Thanks
Paolo if one does not sign a contract until you reach Dubai, then the whole scenario changes. Not sure if Airboy has listed the steps of what happens after you get your DOJ and once you arrive in Dubai.
Hi everybody! Just dropping a line to let you guys know that I received my rejection email a week ago. Not technically a “rejection” email, but a “we might contact you back later” email. In any case, I’m not making it to Dubai. Best of luck to all who’re still waiting for some news! ccARG. Cordoba. Argentina.
Well…i got my offer withdrawel today… i supposed to go mid march… they say they will seek to recontact me so I do hope so they will… I still want to work for them
hi!i am here in dubai more than a month and i am going to finish the training in approx.1,5 weeks.EVEN FOR US THEY SAY THAT MAYBE AFTER TRAINING ARE GOING TO FIRE US BUT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE THEY HAVE ALREADY SPENT A LOT OF MONEY FOR US.in my open day in october the people who passed emirates didnt accept to come for training.when i come here we were 4 abinitios(groups) the same date and now every thursday come only 2!this thursday they say that there will be only 1!its obvious that emirates will accept only few.trainers told us that people who passed to the final interview must not be worrie.every day they tell us that we are very lucky to be here because of the financial crisis and the company tries to protect from it.as our friend said they have also problem with the accomodation.they dont have buildings for the new joiners!i was lucky and i went straight away to permanent accomodation but i wanna change location and its really difficult!THEY DONT HAVE AVAILABLE FLATS!they built new buildings far away from the ciry center,near sharja!cabin crew who was to upgrade to b/c and f/c they will fly to economy because the training for these classes canceled FOR THE FIRST TIME!!today have a meeting with the cabin crews to make a decission.the fact is that EVEN Emirates affected from the crisis and its true!FOR ALL THESE FRIENDS WHO STILL WAITING FOR THE FINAL RESPONSE I ADVISE YOU TO TRY TO ANOTHER AIRLINE AS SOON AS WAITING FOR EMIRATES.A GOOD CHOICE IS ETIHAD I HAD AN INTERVIEW WITH THIS AIRLINE DURING EMIRATES INTERVIEW MONTH AND I PASSED BUT ALWAYS WANTED TO GO TO EMIRATES BUT MY FRIENDS WENT TO ETIHAD AND THEY RECEIVE 11000AED PER MONTH!!BETTER MONEY THAN EMIRATES!IF YOUR DREAM IS TO WORK FOR EMIRATES DONT WORRY IT WLL BE COME TRUE IF NOT MAYBE ANOTHER CHOICE WOULD BE BETTER FOR YOU!I WISH YOU GOOD LUCK AND I HOPE TO JOIN WITH US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!