Summary

  • Etihad Airways is recruiting hundreds of pilots for its expanding fleet, visiting eight European cities for its initial pilot recruitment roadshows.
  • The airline aims to double its fleet by 2030 and is seeking pilots of all ranks and aircraft types.
  • Etihad offers career development opportunities and a desirable lifestyle in Abu Dhabi, attracting pilots and their families.

Etihad Airways is planning to double its fleet by 2030, but while it might be able to get hold of the aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, it does not presently have all the pilots it needs to put them into service. To remedy that, the Middle Eastern full-service carrier is embarking on an international quest to recruit hundreds of pilots, beginning in eight European cities in the coming months.

What is the Etihad plan?

Yesterday, Etihad Airways (Etihad) announced it is on a global recruitment drive to attract hundreds of pilots and their families to Abu Dhabi. The airline will be running a series of pilot recruitment roadshows globally, starting in Europe with events in Cyprus, Bulgaria, Albania, Romania, Hungary, Poland and Lithuania in the coming months.

Etihad Airways Airbus A380-861 A6-APF

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Etihad is as much about education as recruitment, as it has called for pilots who may wish to join or learn more about the airline and its opportunities. The airline also said that pilots who do not yet fulfill the Etihad criteria but may wish to join Etihad in the future are also encouraged to attend a roadshow or register their interest online.

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The airline carried 14 million passengers last year.

There are around 100 aircraft in Etihad’s fleet, and it wants to double that by 2030, so even accounting for retirements or staff turnover, the airline needs hundreds of new pilots. It is seeking pilots of all ranks and aircraft types from across the Etihad fleet, including Airbus A380, A320 and A350, and Boeing 777, 787 and 777F freighters.

It’s more than a job

With its fast-growing trajectory and plans for around 100 new aircraft, pilot opportunities are plentiful for those wanting to build a solid professional career in commercial aviation. Etihad Airways Chief Operations and Guest Officer John Wright said the airline is proud to showcase everything Etihad and Abu Dhabi offer, adding that it is looking “for pilots who share in our ambitions.”

“We appreciate that pilots choose which airline to join for the length of their career, and as such we would like to highlight not only the career development and progression opportunities on offer at Etihad, but also the fantastic home and lifestyle that Abu Dhabi provides.”

Etihad's special 20th Anniversary livery (1)

Photo: Etihad Airways

On that last point, Etihad welcomes prospective pilots’ partners and family members to the roadshows. The airline wants to show that Abu Dhabi is a fabulous destination for individuals and their families to live and build careers. Part of that attraction is the excellent schools and family-oriented activities, with the thriving metropolis of Dubai, the home of Emirates, just a short drive away.

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Many pilots will be interested in flying on the latest generation of new aircraft, such as the A320neos, A350s and 787 Dreamliners. Etihad’s extensive international network, which has more than 70 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Australia, will also attract their attention.

With international travel enjoying sustained high demand, Etihad is adding more routes that will widen the destinations pilots will operate in. In June, the airline commenced flights from Abu Dhabi to Bali (Indonesia), Jaipur (India) and Al Qassim (Saudi Arabia), as well as to seasonal destinations, including the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Nice in the French Riviera, Malaga (Spain) and Antalya (Turkey).

Would you like to fly as a pilot with Etihad? Let us know in the comments.

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