Emirates swoops in drive to attract Kiwi pilots

Emirates is coming to New Zealand with open days for pilots its Kiwi recruitment head Craig Mitchell says is part of a plan to recruit as many pilots as possible. The ex-RNZAF Skyhawk pilot said the sessions in Auckland on April 28 and Christchurch on April 30 weren't formal recruiting days but were more about "spreading the word and sharing the information". Worldwide there is a shortage pilots and the New Zealand Airline Pilots Association says it is concerned New Zealand's own airlines are not investing enough in the ongoing training of local pilots. Mitchell said Kiwi pilots were sought after. "We're looking for as many pilots as we can get at the moment - particularly given the level in which New Zealand-based training is held in high regard." Emirates pilots typically work 85 hours a month. At entry level a first officer is paid up to 44,450 Dirham ($17,031) a month including a housing allowance. That can be tax free depending on accounting arrangements. A captain with 7000 hours command time is hired on 58,770 Dirham a month, including an accommodation allowance. Staff also get other benefits, including insurance and free travel. Pilots would be flying the biggest passenger plane in the world, the Airbus A380 or Boeing 777s, ''which is no slug either".<br/>