Etihad Pilots
Where ambition takes flight.
Pilot opportunities
Discover opportunities that support your lifestyle, professional development and future with Etihad
As a pilot for Etihad, the national airline of the UAE, you will connect Abu Dhabi to the world, flying a modern fleet with opportunities to fast-track your way to command.
Etihad's pilots build long-term careers, supported by continuous training and development, a safety-led operating environment, and a global lifestyle based in Abu Dhabi. This is a career without limits.
The best seat on the flight is yours
Etihad Airways is more than the UAE’s national airline - they're shaping the future of global aviation. From their hub in Abu Dhabi, their pilots fly one of the world’s most modern and efficient fleets, operating across six continents and connecting people and cultures every day. As they advance their “Journey 2030” ambition to double their fleet and expand their global network, they're creating unparalleled opportunities for pilots to grow, lead and fly at the highest level.
Join Etihad and take your career to new horizons with an airline built for the future.
A320 Captains
It’s an exciting time to join Etihad. The airline continues to grow at pace, with a network expanding, new aircraft joining the fleet, and ambitious plans to double the fleet by 2030. As one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, they're investing in their people, their operations, and the future of aviation.
As a Captain, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of their growth, leading one of the world’s youngest and most modern fleets while upholding the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and operational excellence. Based in Abu Dhabi, you’ll enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, tax-free salary, comprehensive benefits, concessionary travel, and outstanding opportunities to develop your career, including leadership, training, fleet management, and wider Flight Operations roles.
The role
As a Captain with Etihad, you hold ultimate authority for the safe, secure, and efficient operation of every flight. You are entrusted with technical command of the aircraft, leadership of the crew, and the responsibility to uphold Etihad’s highest standards of professionalism.
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Ensure the safety and security of crew, passengers, cargo, and aircraft at all times
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Exercise full command of the aircraft from taxi-out to final engine shutdown
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Lead the flight and cabin crew, demonstrating strong decision-making and effective crew resource management
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Operate with efficiency and environmental responsibility, in line with company fuel and sustainability policies
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Deliver consistent On Time Performance to meet Etihad’s commitment to reliability and guest satisfaction
The requirements
To be considered for the role of Captain A320, you must meet the criteria below:
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Minimum of 5500 hours total flying time, with 2500 PIC hours on multi crew, glass cockpit (1)
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A minimum of 1500 PIC hours on one of the A320 Family
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Flown A320 family within the last 12 months
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Type-Rating on A320 should be valid for a minimum of 2 months at the time of joining
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Unrestricted and current ICAO ATPL
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Current on A320
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Unrestricted and current Class 1 medical
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Have not attained the age of 59 years on the day of joining
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Current TRE/TRI is an advantage
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ELP (written and verbal) Level 4 or higher
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In case of hours accumulated on flights with inflight relief, 75% of the total hours shall be counted towards the required minimum
(1) Glass Cockpit: aircraft with a FMS coupled to APFDS
Highly competitive tax-free salary
Family education
support
Generous annual leave entitlement
Industry-leading staff travel
Income protection scheme
Excellent
career progression
Relocation assistance to Abu Dhabi
Accidental & life insurance coverage
Further
training opportunities
End-of-
service
benefits
A320 First Officers
It’s an exciting time to join Etihad. The airline continues to grow at pace, with a network expanding, new aircraft joining the fleet, and ambitious plans to double the fleet by 2030. As one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, they’re investing in their people, their operations, and the future of aviation.
As a First Officer, you’ll be part of an airline committed to developing the next generation of aviation leaders. Operating one of the world’s youngest and most modern fleets, you’ll benefit from world-class training, a strong safety culture, and a clear pathway to Captain as the airline continues to grow. Based in Abu Dhabi, you’ll enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, tax-free salary, comprehensive benefits, concessionary travel, and exceptional opportunities to build a long-term career with Etihad.
The role
As a First Officer with Etihad, you are a key part of the flight deck team, supporting the Captain in ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient operation of every flight. You are expected to demonstrate professionalism, technical skill, and strong teamwork while developing your leadership capability for future command.
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Assist the Captain in all aspects of flight preparation, navigation, and operation, ensuring compliance with Etihad’s operating procedures and regulatory standards
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Maintain a continuous and independent check of aircraft position, terrain, and weather to support safe navigation at all times
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Provide clear communication, advice, and support to the Captain to contribute to safe and efficient decision-making
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Uphold high standards of discipline, conduct, and personal appearance, representing Etihad professionally in every environment
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In the event of Captain incapacitation, assume command in accordance with rank and company procedures
The requirements
To be considered for the role of A320 First Officer, you must meet either Criteria A or Criteria B, in addition to the General Eligibility criteria below.
Criteria A
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Minimum 2,000 hours total flying time
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Minimum 1,500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit MPA (1)
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Minimum 500 hours on type
Criteria B
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Minimum 1,500 hours total flying time
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Minimum 1,000 hours on any A320 family aircraft
General Eligibility
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Flown any A320 family aircraft within the last 12 months
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Type rating on A320 valid for at least 2 more months at the time of joining
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Unrestricted ATPL or valid frozen ATPL (2) issued by an ICAO member state
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Unrestricted, current Class 1 medical
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Must not have attained the age of 50 on the day of joining
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English language fluency (written and verbal) – ICAO Level 4 or better
(1) Glass Cockpit: aircraft with a FMS coupled to APFDS
(2) Holders of Frozen ATPL License (CPL) must present the results of ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Exam and an integrated ATPL course completion certificate
Highly competitive tax-free salary
Family education
support
Generous annual leave entitlement
Industry-leading staff travel
Income protection scheme
Excellent
career progression
Relocation assistance to Abu Dhabi
Accidental & life insurance coverage
Further
training opportunities
Attend a pilot roadshow
Etihad is looking for Captains and First Officers to join the growing team. Join a roadshow to meet the recruitment team, learn more about their world‑class fleet, and discover what it’s like to fly for one of the fastest‑growing airlines in the world.
As part of their Journey 2030 strategy, they're expanding to over 200 aircraft and 125+ destinations, offering opportunities to operate one of the youngest and most diverse fleets in the skies.
With defined career pathways, First Officers may progress to Command in as little as three years, and Captains have endless opportunities beyond the flight deck.
All of this is supported by tax‑free remuneration packages, comprehensive benefits, and balanced rosters designed to support life both in and beyond the cockpit.
These sessions will provide insight into their expansion plans, recruitment pathways, and what you can expect as part of Etihad's pilot community.
Discover what’s next for you in the skies.
