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. There精东影业 also the additional benefit of being based in Abu Dhabi, one of the world精东影业 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 airline精东影业 operation.  

Etihad精东影业 diverse fleet currently includes the Airbus A320, A321, A350, and the A380, the latter of which will be in service until at least 2032.聽聽

Etihad also operates an extensive fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs, plus 787-9s and 787-10s Dreamliners, with more aircraft joining the fleet soon.聽聽

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.聽聽

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 鈥� A320, A350, A380 

First Officer positions 鈥� 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 鈥� current flight crew and management pilots with the company. 

It should be noted that Etihad精东影业 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.聽聽

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鈥痗ommitted 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, there精东影业 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 鈥� 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鈥痝lobally, while the local culture is focused on family-friendly environments, thriving communities with鈥痚xcellent 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 Etihad精东影业 headquarters and the newly opened state-of-the-art terminal at Zayed International Airport – Etihad精东影业 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.鈥� 

For new employees and their families, Abu Dhabi offers the highest quality of medical professionals, as well as hospitals and health clinics, while Etihad鈥痯rovides 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.聽聽聽聽聽聽聽

• June 29, 2024 鈥� Larnaca, Cyprus 
• July 1, 2024 鈥� Sofia, Bulgaria  
• July 3, 2024 鈥� Tirana, Albania 
• July 5, 2024 鈥� Bucharest, Romania 
• July 7, 2024 鈥� Cluj, Romania  
• July 9, 2024 鈥� Budapest, Hungary 
• July 11, 2024 鈥� Warsaw, Poland  
• July 13, 2024 鈥� Vilnius, Lithuania 
• July 14, 2024 鈥� Online pilot roadshow  

Individuals interested in attending any of the upcoming roadshows (with or without their spouses and partners) are requested to . 聽

Etihad精东影业 pilot recruitment team is looking forward to meeting as many potential applicants as possible at these roadshows. They鈥檙e hoping to ensure that the airline精东影业 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.

The new training center is located close to Gulfstream精东影业 HQ and production facility, and it has the capacity for as many as four full-flight simulators (FFS).  

The Savannah facility is the first executive aviation training center to be built exclusively for Gulfstream and CAE精东影业 fifth in the United States, adding to those it already operates in New Jersey, Nevada, Texas and Florida. CAE also operates a sixth North American executive jet training center in its home city of Montreal. 

The new center officially opened on June 20, 2024, but one simulator, that for Gulfstream G550 aircraft, has actually been in operation since January 2024. 

A second simulator, for Gulfstream G280, is expected to become operational in July 2024. 

CAE will also offer a maintenance training program for Gulfstream G280, G650, and G500/G600 jets. In this regard, CAE has been pioneering the use of virtual reality tools, which reduces the need for real aircraft to be available during the training. 

Operators worldwide are currently stepping up efforts to train more pilots and technicians, as the industry is facing labor shortages. CAE expects that the executive jet industry will need 32,000 new pilots and 74,000 MRO technicians by the year 2032. 

Atlantis Flight Academy CEO and owner Alfredo Diez was tragically killed in a Virginia private plane crash that also claimed the lives of Diez精东影业 wife and three-year-old son. 

Shortly after Diez精东影业 passing, Atlantis Flight Academy was shut down, leaving more than a hundred students at a crossroads regarding continuing their education.

Media outlet Local 10 reported that the students were advised that the training hours they had studied and worked for, including the thousands of dollars they paid for school tuition, were 鈥済one for good.鈥�

Creditors went to court and filed big claims against the flight academy immediately after Diez精东影业 passing.

Local 10 quoted a probate attorney for the owners’ estate as saying that the estate has to go through the legal process, and creditors have to be paid in a certain order.

鈥淚n this case, there are bank loans that are secured creditors and unfortunately, they are in a priority position over the students,鈥� the probate attorney said. 鈥淚t精东影业 an unfortunate situation, but the law must be adhered to.鈥�

Attorneys representing 20 flight academy students told CBS Miami that the students are in a difficult position, 鈥渢hrough no fault of their own.鈥�

鈥淲hile we offer our condolences and empathize with the family’s loss, the students fear for their future, both occupationally and economically,鈥� the attorneys said. 鈥淭hese students now have to claw back their monies from a school that is no longer viable and whose assets are presently being marshaled.鈥� 

鈥淯nfortunately, the students will now be required to find another school which is properly accredited which will hopefully understand that they have already paid once for their education,鈥� the attorneys continued.

The matter is currently under the jurisdiction of the probate court of Broward County.

Private jet crash leaves four adults and one child dead near Virgina airport

• Aviation Safety
• Business Aviation

byIan Molyneaux

2024-03-11

These are just some of the 鈥渟ignificant and exciting鈥� changes that Emirates is making to its pilot recruitment program.

The Dubai-based airline announced the launch of a global drive to recruit pilots across its First Officers, Direct Entry Captains, and Accelerated Command Programmes:

First Officers 鈥� non-type rated

Emirates is welcoming non-type-rated First Officers. These pilots will now have the opportunity to be fully trained to fly the airline精东影业 all-wide-body fleet of 144 Boeing aircraft across its network. 

Accelerated Command Programme for Boeing 777s

Emirates has now extended its Accelerated Command Programme (ACP) to its fleet of Boeing 777s 鈥� which so far was reserved for its signature A380 aircraft. This is an opportunity for captains flying narrow-body aircraft to graduate to wide-body on Emirates鈥� fast track promotion program.

Direct Entry Captain 鈥� A350 fleet

The airline is now calling for Direct Entry Captains (DEC) to command its anticipated A350 fleet of 65 aircraft. As an added incentive, Emirates has also increased the base salary for the new recruits on both the A350s and A380s. Deliveries of the A350s will start mid-year and serve both new and existing destinations. The airline continues to welcome DECs for its fleet of A380s.

First Officers 

Emirates is offering enhanced salary packages for First Officers with experience of over 4,000 flying hours on modern fly-by-wire Airbus or Boeing aircraft.

Interested pilots who would like to learn more about the various Emirates flight deck roles can find more information on entry requirements .

Emirates pilot benefits

Pilots at Emirates receive a competitive tax-free salary, are eligible for profit share, and are provided spacious villas in gated communities, education allowance, and life, medical and dental cover. Pilots also have access to a provident fund and receive regular and complimentary financial advice.

Pilots are also provided chauffeur-driven transport to and from work, laundry services, 42 days annual leave and enjoy concessional cargo and discounted travel benefits for their family and friends.

In 2024, Emirates鈥� recruitment team will host pilot recruitment roadshows in more than 26 cities in over 18 countries.

Thousands of hopefuls line up for Emirates cabin crew open day in Manila

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-04-09

In July 2022, a raising the retirement age of a pilot serving in multi crew covered operations to 67. In July 2023, the US House voted 351-69 in favor of the bill.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker told US Congress in a letter seen by that additional scientific research should first be conducted before deciding whether or not to raise the retirement age.

“It is crucial to provide the agency an opportunity to conduct research and determine mitigations,” Whitaker said in the letter.

Whitaker added the change should be backed by appropriate research so that the FAA can measure any risk.

Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA), which represents more than 77,000 pilots at 43 US and Canadian airlines, is urging members to voice their opposition to local senators. 

ALPA said that raising the retirement age beyond 65 would disrupt US global operations because it would not be in compliance with international standards. 

鈥淚t would upend pilot bidding, reduce pilot utilization, create training backlogs, imperil flight operation, expose your union and airlines to significant legal liability, and ultimately require hard-fought-for collective bargaining agreements to be reopened to deal with this issue and its ramifications,鈥� ALPA said on its website.

The current FAA regulation states that there are no FAA age limits for pilots except for commercial airline pilots employed by airlines certificated under. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65.

US Congress to consider raising pilot retirement age to tackle industry shortage

• Civil Aviation

byGabriele Petrauskaite

2022-07-26

The news was announced on the first day of Wings India 2024, taking place in Hyderabad, India. from January 18 t0 21, 2024.  

This brand-new 3,300 sq. ft. facility will be equipped with at least 10 simulators as well as the related classrooms and briefing and debriefing rooms. These will be used to train pilots on the latest models of Airbus family aircraft.  

It is expected that up to 5,000 pilots will pass through the new center within a decade of it opening in 2025. 

Airbus has sold hundreds of aircraft in India over the last couple of years, to the point that there was even speculation in the media that the European manufacturer could be considering a local assembly line in the country. However, this is something that Airbus鈥� CEO, Guillaume Faury, later denied. 

News of the training center comes just months after Air India placed an order for 250 Airbus aircraft (140 A321neo, 70 A320neo, 20 A350-900 and 20 A350-1000 aircraft) at the 2023 Paris Air Show in June 2023.聽

JAL Engineering Company is a subsidiary of JAL in charge of aircraft maintenance. Together with ANA Holding, it will offer up to JPY 500,000 ($3,500) annually in interest free tuition to those enrolled at nine designated training schools across Japan beginning the fiscal year of 2024 onwards.

A report by Japanese media outlet stated that up to 100 students per grade entering the nine schools will be eligible for the scholarship. Screenings will be conducted if scholarship applicants exceed that number.

Scholarship recipients will be required to pay back the tuition fees within eight years of completing the program. Fees can be waived if scholars secure employment with JAL or ANA and if they are able to obtain necessary national certifications.

ANA and JAL believe that the pathway offers students the ability to enter the industry without the burden of significant debt. 

The two companies have also opened the scholarship program to  other airlines in order to give broader support to the industry.

“Securing human resources is an industry-wide issue. We made a move looking several years into the future,” Ryo Tamura, President at JAL Engineering, said in a press statement.

Toshihiro Miyamae, Executive Vice President at ANA, said: “We hope to alleviate [students’] financial burden as much as possible.”

The scholarship aims to resolve the decline in the number of aircraft mechanics in Japan due to retirement coupled with dwindling enrollment numbers at training schools.聽

Qantas seeks female and Indigenous students for pilot academy scholarships

• Aviation Career

byJean Carmela Lim

2023-05-03

In his new role, Edwards鈥� will be focusing on the growth of Chapman Freeborn精东影业 passenger business and its setup in the region, as well as retaining the key aspects of his role as General Manager, UK. This position is vital to the recruitment drive where the business is expanding into more of Europe, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Iberia and the Nordics.

Starting with Chapman Freeborn as General Manager UK in early 2023, Edwards鈥� brought his wealth of aviation experience, from working with companies such as Airways Aviation Ltd, British Airways, American Airlines and Inflite The Jet Centre Ltd. His vast knowledge across various sectors, including commercial flight training, airline revenue growth and MRO (maintenance, repairs and overhaul), ideally place him to lead the company精东影业 expansion into new markets and develop the business further. Edwards鈥� has built an extensive network of contacts and cultivated strong relationships with key suppliers, enabling the business to grow and expand across Europe.

Edwards鈥� is looking forward to expanding the business into Europe, adding: 鈥淲ith an ever-growing market, now is the right time to invest and grow our presence within Europe, and I鈥檓 excited to take on this new challenge. This role enables me to focus on expanding our customer base and developing new strategies that will benefit the company and its stakeholders. Chapman Freeborn has invested in the latest technology and, by closely monitoring trends in the market, we are well equipped to provide an unrivalled service to our customers. Knowing that we have the best team of charter experts in the industry, makes us confident that our customers will always have the best experience possible.鈥�

Reto Hunziker, President 鈥� Europe, said: 鈥淚 am delighted to congratulate James on his well-deserved promotion. James has quickly become a valuable member of our team, and I am thrilled to recognize his hard work and dedication with this promotion. James has already been instrumental in implementing new strategies to reach our goals and achieve success, and I am confident that he will continue to be an asset to our team in his new role. Congratulations once again to James on this promotion, and I look forward to seeing the great work he will continue to do for our company.鈥�

Below, we explore the Top 5 useful strategies to pay for your flight training and help you achieve your aviation dreams more quickly.聽

Top 5 ways to pay for your flight training

Airline-sponsored training聽

One of the most sought-after methods of funding flight training is through an airline-sponsored program. Many major airlines offer such training programs for aspiring pilots. These programs typically involve a contractual commitment for graduates to work for the airline for a specified period after obtaining their pilot’s license. While this route may require a serious degree of dedication and patience, it can significantly reduce your training costs and provide a clear career path. 

For example, airBaltic offers an Ab-Initio pilot training program, which allows individuals to obtain their 鈥楩rozen鈥� (European Aviation Transport Pilot License) within approximately 24 months. This program is designed for those without prior aviation education or experience. 

Students of the airBaltic Pilot Academy pay 鈧�25,000 for their training up to the private pilot license (PPL) level. After successfully passing the airBaltic pilot assessment and becoming an employee of the company, airBaltic covers the remaining costs of their studies. The total cost of the program, including all training phases, amounts to 鈧�89,000 per student.

Flight school loan聽

Taking out a loan to cover your flight training expenses is a common approach. Various financial institutions offer specialized loans for aviation education. Before committing to a loan, it’s crucial to research interest rates, repayment terms and eligibility criteria. Be sure to calculate the total cost of the loan over time to ensure that it aligns with your future earning potential as a pilot. 

For instance, Germany精东影业 Lufthansa, in partnership with Albatros, provides . Qualified candidates have the option to secure a loan with a fixed interest rate, ranging from 鈧�25,000 to 鈧�100,000, to cover their training expenses, with a repayment period of up to ten years. 

Join the military (for military-sponsored training)聽

For those with a strong desire to serve their country, joining the military could be an obvious path to flight training. The U.S. Armed Forces (USAF), for example, offers comprehensive flight training programs, including the Army’s Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program and the Air Force’s Officer Training School. In return for your service, you鈥檒l receive top-notch training and often gain valuable flight hours, too.

Get a scholarship or a grant聽

Scholarships and grants are a useful way to alleviate the financial burden of flight training. Scholarships are typically awarded based on various criteria, such as academic achievement or specific factors, such as being a member of a particular group or pursuing a certain field of study. Unlike loans, grants are usually non-repayable. Grants can be used for a wide range of purposes, including education, scientific research, community development, charitable activities and more. 

Numerous organizations, including aviation associations, private foundations and universities, offer scholarships specifically for aspiring pilots. These awards can cover various aspects of training, from tuition to flight hours. Research and apply for as many relevant scholarships as possible, to maximize your chances of financial assistance. 

As an example, AOPA Flight Training Scholarships help to cover the costs associated with flight training for individuals seeking either their primary pilot certificate or advanced ratings. In 2019, to individuals including high school students, educators and adults in flight training.  

Note: Examine the opportunities at national, state and local levels. Also, you can investigate funding options tailored to women, minorities or other specific groups if you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Work in a flight school聽

Working in a flight school can be a win-win situation. Many flight schools offer opportunities for aspiring pilots to or in administrative roles while completing their training. A highly strategic path to attaining your airline transport pilot position involves obtaining certification as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). By becoming a flight instructor, the flight hours you dedicate to teaching others to fly will count toward the flight hour requirements for your license.  

Additionally, you will receive compensation for your instructional services, which can be used to cover tuition expenses. It’s important to bear in mind that you must already possess a PPL and a CFI before pursuing this avenue. Also, note that working at a flight school can provide you with valuable industry contacts and networking opportunities.

In summary: Top 5 ways to pay for your flight training聽

These Top 5 strategies offer diverse paths to finance flight training, catering to individuals’ goals, financial situations and career aspirations. Careful research and consideration are essential to selecting the most suitable option for embarking on the exciting journey towards becoming a pilot. 

Up until October 8, 2023, Alaska Airlines is accepting applications for its Ascend Pilot Academy program based in Portland, Oregon. 

The Ascend Pilot Academy is a new flight training鈥� program designed for aspiring commercial pilots with little or no flying experience. 

Students will complete an intensive training and experience-building program before joining Horizon Air as a First Officer. Horizon Air is an American regional airline and a subsidiary of the Alaska Air Group.

According to Alaska Airlines, the program is designed to help all aspiring pilots, including those who may need financial support to make their dream of a flying career a reality.

Those accepted onto the program will receive a stipend of $26,463 towards their commercial pilot certificate and up to $3,500 to cover the Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument Certificate (CFII).

The program, which is located at the Hillsboro Aero Academy in Hillsboro & Redmond Oregon, can be finished within three to three-and-a-half years.

Once all training, certificate and flight experience requirements have been completed, graduates must commit to a minimum of two years working as a pilot for Horizon Air.

The airline states that an opportunity to join Alaska Airlines as a First Officer is available as part of the Pilot Pathways program once eligibility is met.

Full details, including requirements, complete benefits and rewards can be found .

United Airlines launches recruitment program to entice military pilot veterans

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2023-09-29