Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and one of the leading airlines of the world, is currently undertaking a huge recruitment drive and is seeking hundreds of new pilots to join the premium carrier over the coming years.
With its mixed fleet of both narrow-bodied and wide-bodied aircraft (which includes the Airbus A380), and with plans to significantly grow its fleet over the next five-plus years, Etihad offers extensive opportunities for those seeking a rewarding and varied flying career.
But what does a career as a pilot with Etihad involve, what does a typical month flying for the airline look like, and what are the benefits of flying for one of the world’s leading carriers?
Recruiting for future growth
Since its inaugural flight in 2003, Etihad has earned itself a strong reputation and leading position in both the Middle East and global airline markets. Continuing along the path to extend its reach even further, the airline is currently engaged in an expansion and fleet optimization program to expedite its future growth.
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’s operation.
Etihad is currently in the process of seeking applications for a wide range of flying positions, both for an immediate start as well as further ahead in the coming years, as the company expands to meet soaring demand for its passenger and cargo services. For a full list of current opportunities, please click on this link.
Having run a series of pilot recruitment roadshows throughout July 2024 and with more to come later in the year, Etihad is continuing its drive to fill open positions across its modern fleet of short, medium, and long-haul aircraft. Pilots who may not yet fulfill the Etihad selection criteria but may wish to join Etihad in the future are also being encouraged to register their interest with the airline.
Etihad today and beyond
Etihad currently employs over 1,700 pilots operating one of the world’s newest fleets of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. This includes the Airbus A320, A321, A350, and A380, alongside an extensive fleet of Boeing aircraft, including one of the world’s largest fleets of 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners, as well as a number of 777-300ERs
The airline recently announced that it will operate the A380 until at least 2032 and is one of the last remaining carriers offering the chance to fly this iconic aircraft.
Etihad’s pilots fly to more than 70 destinations across Australia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America.
The airline continues to grow its network and in June 2024, commenced flights to Bali, Jaipur, and Al Qassim, as well as several seasonal destinations including the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Nice in the French Riviera, and the holiday resorts of Malaga in Spain and Antalya in Turkey.
As one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, Etihad will double its fleet size by 2030 compared to 2022. This growth trajectory will offer pilots significant career progression and promotion opportunities, making Etihad a highly attractive employer for ambitious pilots looking to build a solid career.
The life of an Etihad pilot
Flying for Etihad brings with it a career 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 other carriers.
Regardless of which fleet a pilot is assigned, all pilots flying for Etihad are assured a varied flying career serving an eclectic mix of destinations, and the opportunity to fly the latest commercial aircraft using cutting-edge technology on the flight deck to support them in their role and to build on their flying experience.
To encourage this, unlike many other carriers, the airline offers its pilots the opportunity to transfer between fleets and to operate several different aircraft types. The company also offers clear and defined career progression plans that provide a pathway to personal development and fulfillment.
This includes for first officers, the chance to work towards achieving a command position once suitable experience and skills are attained.
With its modern and diverse aircraft fleet, Etihad pilots have the choice of an equally diverse range of flying activities. While those flying short-haul routes can expect to end each assignment in Abu Dhabi, pilots flying medium and long-haul routes are afforded a generous amount of time downroute and are accommodated in some of the finest hotels available in each of the airline’s destination cities.
One key ethos at Etihad is that of continuous training and development among its pilot workforce. Those flying for the airline enjoy access to some of the highest experienced training captains in the industry, while the diverse nature of the flying activities undertaken constantly provides new environments and airports in which pilots can hone their skills and broaden their overall experience.
Lastly, Etihad’s diverse pilot community works alongside 142 nationalities that make up the Etihad family, providing a culturally diverse environment in which to work.
The benefits
For those joining Etihad as a pilot, the range of non-flying benefits on offer is highly competitive and rewarding. These benefits included market-leading tax-free salaries, generous per diem allowances, and other expenses while downroute on company duty travel.
Additionally, concessionary international air travel for the individual and their families is provided (subject to the completion of an initial period of service), plus numerous other travel industry discounts, and complimentary gym memberships.
The company also provides comprehensive healthcare insurance coverage for pilots and their relatives, ensuring that the highest levels of healthcare are available as and when required. Additionally, the airline offers an allowance for schools within Abu Dhabi, so long as children have an Etihad-sponsored visa.
Lastly, a career with Etihad offers 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.
The location
Commencing a flying career with Etihad brings the additional benefit of being based in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s premier global destinations for lifestyle, leisure, and family-based activities.
Ranked as one of the world’s safest cities, Abu Dhabi offers a friendly and lively environment, with a pace that can be dictated by personal preference. 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 accommodations is available across Abu Dhabi for those who join Etihad, while in terms of education, Abu Dhabi boasts a range of government and private schools, catering to all nationalities and ability levels. Equally, for employees and their families, Abu Dhabi provides access to the highest quality of medical professionals, as well as hospitals and health clinics.
In summary
Becoming a pilot for Etihad should be seen as a lifestyle decision rather than simply a career move alone. The opportunity to fly for Etihad combines a rewarding flying career with one of the world’s leading airlines with a life based in one of the world’s most dynamic and progressive cities.
With excellent opportunities to expand your flying experience on several different types of aircraft, rosters that allow for a healthy work-life balance, and a package of industry-leading benefits that are unmatched elsewhere, there has simply not been a better time to consider continuing your flying career with Etihad.
The company urges anyone interested in flying for Etihad either now or in the future to get in touch with its recruitment team. A career and lifestyle that you as a pilot, as well as your family, can enjoy, embrace, and thrive upon awaits.
