THE world’s biggest airline is hiring in Southampton – but will only take people who can reach nearly 7ft on tiptoe.

Dubai-based Emirates is holding a cabin crew recruitment open day on Friday, January 3, at the Holiday Inn Southampton in Herbert Walker Avenue, starting at 9am sharp.

It is looking for people at least 21 years old with an arm reach of 212cm – around 6ft 11ins – when standing on tiptoe.

The company said: “The airline is looking for both women and men with an open-minded, helpful, friendly and service-oriented personalities to deliver its award-winning onboard experience to customers. Candidates hoping to give their careers a flying start can walk in with an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) in English, and a recent photograph.

“Although not mandatory, candidates are encouraged to register online on the Emirates Group careers website prior to attending the open day.

“Candidates must meet set criteria: they should be at least 21 years of age at the time of joining, have an arm reach of 212cm when standing on tiptoes, and be able to adapt to new people, new places and new situations.”

More information about the venues, selection process, assessment day dress code and tutorials is at emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew/

Candidates will need to be prepared to spend the full day at the venue. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of timings for further assessments and interviews.

Emirates currently flies to 159 destinations across six continents operating a modern fleet of 269 all wide-body aircraft. The airline is the largest global operator of the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A380 aircraft.

The cabin crew employment package includes tax-free income, free first-rate shared accommodation in Dubai, free transport to and from work, medical and dental cover, as well as exclusive discounts on shopping and leisure activities in Dubai. There are travel benefits for staff and their extended family.

Emirates has been flying to the UK for since 1987 and currently offers 130 weekly flights between Dubai and eight UK gateways – Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle.