The national carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and one of the leading airlines in the world, Etihad Airways is embarking on a huge recruitment drive that should see hundreds of new pilots join the premium carrier over the coming years.
With a current mixed fleet of narrow-bodied and wide-bodied aircraft, including the Airbus A380, and plans to significantly grow its fleet over the next five-plus years, Etihad offers extensive opportunities for a flying career. There¾«¶«Ó°Òµ also the additional benefit of being based in Abu Dhabi, one of the world¾«¶«Ó°Òµ premier global destinations for lifestyle, leisure and family-based activities.
About Etihad
Since its first flight in 2003, Etihad has forged a strong position both within the Middle East market and globally. Now serving over 70 destinations, the airline is currently engaged in significant planning for future expansion and fleet optimization.
A key part of that plan is the launch of an extensive recruitment drive aiming to attract talented pilots to the company. This comes during an exciting period of growth, which will see both new aircraft types and new destinations being added to the airline¾«¶«Ó°Òµ operation.
Etihad¾«¶«Ó°Òµ diverse fleet currently includes the Airbus A320, A321, A350, and the A380, the latter of which will be in service until at least 2032. Â
Etihad also operates an extensive fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs, plus 787-9s and 787-10s Dreamliners, with more aircraft joining the fleet soon. Â
Etihad pilot recruitment
To fill both present and future pilot vacancies, Etihad has embarked on the largest recruitment drive in its 21-year history. The carrier is seeking applications from qualified First Officers and Captains who are keen to progress their careers as part of a forward-thinking, ambitious and progressive international airline. Â
As such, Etihad is keen to hear from anyone who meets the prescribed criteria for the following positions and the requirements for the right to live and work in Abu Dhabi.
Captain positions – A320, A350, A380
First Officer positions – A320, A350, A380, 777/787 (rated), 777/787 (non-rated)
For full details of these open positions, .
A major aspect of the recruitment campaign is that potential applicants will have the opportunity to find out more about the company, its culture, and ambitions, along with more specific details on the above opportunities, at a series of recruitment roadshows being hosted by Etihad in various cities over the coming weeks.
At these events, attendees will get the chance to speak with members of the recruitment team regarding specific openings, as well as discussing the lifestyle aspects of being an Etihad pilot with those who know best – current flight crew and management pilots with the company.
It should be noted that Etihad¾«¶«Ó°Òµ recruitment drive is not only seeking to find new pilots for the present time but rather for the next few years, as the process is planned to be ongoing. The invitation to the roadshows is extended to those who may not be ready to make the switch at present but might consider Etihad as part of their own professional development plan at some point in the future.
As a key corporate value of Etihad, family inclusion is paramount. Therefore, spouses and partners of potential applicants are also actively encouraged to attend the roadshows to see first-hand what life in Abu Dhabi can offer families of Etihad employees. Â
For a full list of upcoming roadshow dates, see below.
Working for Etihad
Flying for Etihad brings with it benefits that few other international airlines can match. Just as the company aspires to create meaningful experiences for its passengers, it is as equally committed to delivering a remarkably thoughtful employee experience through its culture, creativity and innovation, plus the opportunity to enjoy a varied flying career unlike that with other carriers.
Etihad has rosters that allow for flexibility and ample downtime, a modern and diverse fleet that offers an equally diverse range of flying activities and offers the chance to transfer between fleets and operate different types. It also has clear and defined career progression plans that provide a pathway to personal development and fulfilment.
Additionally, the range of non-flying benefits Etihad offers to pilots is industry leading. These include competitive tax-free salaries, concessionary air travel and numerous other travel industry discounts, health insurance, and gym membership. Plus, there¾«¶«Ó°Òµ the chance to build a life for yourself and your family in the eclectic and cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s most vibrant modern metropolises.
Combined, these benefits make flying for Etihad a highly attractive proposition for suitably qualified applicants. Becoming an Etihad pilot can be seen as less of a career choice are more of a lifestyle decision that pilots and their families can enjoy, embrace and thrive by being part of.
Abu Dhabi – simply the place to be
Ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, Abu Dhabi has something for everyone. It is a friendly and lively environment, with a pace that can be dictated by personal preference. Slowing down with lazy beach days or dining and socializing the evening away are both possible within the vibrant city and its desert surroundings.
The city boasts one of the highest living standards globally, while the local culture is focused on family-friendly environments, thriving communities with excellent facilities, exceptionally low crime rates and a stable government.
A huge range of high-quality accommodation is available across Abu Dhabi for those who join Etihad. There are plenty of flexible renting options, from serviced apartments to shared housing, apartments and villas. The districts of Al Reef, Al Muneera, Khalifa City A, Al Zeina, and Yas Island are all just a short drive away from Etihad¾«¶«Ó°Òµ headquarters and the newly opened state-of-the-art terminal at Zayed International Airport – Etihad¾«¶«Ó°Òµ home base.
In terms of education, Abu Dhabi boasts a range of government and private schools, catering to all nationalities and ability levels. Additionally, the airline offers an allowance for schools within Abu Dhabi, so long as children have an Etihad-sponsored visa. 
For new employees and their families, Abu Dhabi offers the highest quality of medical professionals, as well as hospitals and health clinics, while Etihad provides unrivaled healthcare insurance coverage for pilots and their relatives.
From the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race to its award-winning theme parks, Abu Dhabi is guaranteed to satisfy all those who seek adventure. Additionally, the needs of high-adrenaline seekers are catered to by Ferrari World and desert-based adventures, while those who seek something more sedate may appreciate the art collection at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Dates for roadshows
Initially, the upcoming roadshows hosted by the Etihad pilot recruitment team will visit eight cities across Europe, with further cities to be added over the months ahead.
Each roadshow listed below is split into two sessions, with the first session lasting from 09:30 to 11:30 and the second session from 12:00 to 14:00. All times are local for each event location.      Â
- June 29, 2024 – Larnaca, Cyprus
- July 1, 2024 – Sofia, Bulgaria
- July 3, 2024 – Tirana, Albania
- July 5, 2024 – Bucharest, Romania
- July 7, 2024 – Cluj, Romania
- July 9, 2024 – Budapest, Hungary
- July 11, 2024 – Warsaw, Poland
- July 13, 2024 – Vilnius, Lithuania
- July 14, 2024 – Online pilot roadshow
Individuals interested in attending any of the upcoming roadshows (with or without their spouses and partners) are requested to . Â
Etihad¾«¶«Ó°Òµ pilot recruitment team is looking forward to meeting as many potential applicants as possible at these roadshows. They’re hoping to ensure that the airline¾«¶«Ó°Òµ future fleet and global operation remain in the capable hands of talented, conscientious and ambitious pilots, seeking a varied, engaging and rewarding career and lifestyle.
Should you decide that Etihad might be the airline to fulfil your personal career aspirations, you are warmly invited to attend one of the roadshows where the Etihad recruitment team will be waiting to meet you.
