After reviewing its operational requirements, Emirates Airlines is giving its cabin crew staff the opportunity to apply for unpaid leave from a period of one month, up to a maximum of six months on a voluntary basis, starting from May 2009. An Emirates spokesperson said, 'In anticipation of our growing fleet, Emirates' recruitment efforts over the past 12 months have been highly successful in meeting our operational requirements. Combined with a sharp drop in cabin crew attrition, we now find ourselves in a position to be more flexible as an employer'.