Emirates is strengthening its global positioning in both the aviation and cruise sectors with a series of strategic moves announced at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
The airline has extended its prestigious Diamond Elite Executive Partnership with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), reinforcing its long-standing support for the cruise industry.
This elite status—offering privileged access to CLIA’s executive leadership and exclusive sponsorship opportunities—comes as the cruise market gears up for a record 37.1 million global passengers in 2025. Emirates’ commitment to the cruise industry also supports Dubai’s emergence as a premier global cruise hub, leveraging its world-class maritime infrastructure, iconic attractions, and expansive flight network.
“Through collaborative efforts with our partners, Dubai today benefits from an integrated air-land-sea proposition,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We remain committed to growing its appeal to an expanding base of cruise travellers.”
Emirates transported nearly 187,000 cruise passengers to Dubai in 2024 alone. Its infrastructure investments include 16 remote check-in facilities at Port Rashid and streamlined passenger services at both Port Rashid and Dubai Harbour, including fast-track customs, duty-free retail, and complimentary city shuttles.
At the same time, Emirates and MSC Cruises have extended their decade-long partnership to enhance Fly & Cruise experiences and drive joint growth across their respective networks. The MoU signed at Arabian Travel Market outlines plans to co-develop marketing initiatives, align flight and cruise schedules, and improve the passenger journey from tarmac to terminal.
Fly & Cruise guests benefit from exclusive perks such as dedicated airport-to-ship transfers and seamless baggage services at Port Rashid, where 16 dedicated Emirates counters allow passengers to check in and bypass airport queues.
Meanwhile, in the skies, Emirates is celebrating World Pilots’ Day by unveiling a major global recruitment drive, aiming to hire over 550 new pilots this year, and more than 1,500 within the next two years. Building on the success of its Accelerated Command Programme, which fast-tracks First Officers into Captain roles, Emirates is bolstering its team of 4,600 elite aviators.
Pilots joining Emirates enjoy tax-free salaries, profit-sharing, luxury transport, spacious villas, and premium lifestyle perks in Dubai—including access to exclusive retail, fitness, and leisure deals through the Emirates Platinum Card and Premium Club Membership. Pilots and their families also receive First or Business Class travel benefits, 42 days of annual leave, and opportunities to fly to over 148 destinations across six continents, including Sydney, San Francisco, the Maldives, and Mauritius.
This recruitment push includes roadshows in more than 40 cities globally, with recent events in Italy and upcoming stops in Norway, Finland, and Sweden. Emirates invites experienced pilots across multiple entry points—Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command, First Officers (Type Rated and Non-Type Rated)—apply at emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots.
Through its dual investments in cruise partnerships and aviation talent, Emirates is not only reinforcing its leadership in global travel but also playing a pivotal role in elevating Dubai’s status as a dynamic gateway for both air and sea exploration.
