Etihad Airways | A320 Captain

Experienced A320 Captain

Introduction to Etihad Airways and Pilot Careers

Etihad Airways presents an extraordinary opportunity for highly experienced Captains to join its rapidly expanding global operations. As the national airline of the UAE, Etihad is embarking on an ambitious Journey 2030 strategy, significantly expanding its fleet and network. With over 10 million guests served and 27 new destinations launched in 2025 alone, coupled with record-breaking financial performance, this is a pivotal time to contribute to redefining global aviation. Etihad is deeply committed to providing its pilots with exceptional careers, fostering an environment of innovation, sustainability, and world-class service.

Life in Abu Dhabi

Based in Abu Dhabi, consistently ranked among the world's safest cities, pilots and their families will discover a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle. This is complemented by competitive, tax-free salaries, extensive concessionary travel benefits, comprehensive welfare provisions, and abundant opportunities for professional growth within the airline and beyond the flight deck.

The Role of an Etihad Captain

An Etihad Captain holds ultimate authority for the safe, secure, and efficient operation of every flight. This critical leadership position entails technical command of the aircraft, inspiring crew leadership, and the unwavering responsibility to uphold Etihad’s stringent standards of professionalism. Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the paramount safety and security of all crew, passengers, cargo, and aircraft throughout the flight.
• Exercising full command and control of the aircraft from taxi-out to final engine shutdown.
• Leading and motivating the flight and cabin crew, demonstrating robust decision-making and effective crew resource management.
• Operating flights with optimal efficiency and environmental responsibility, in strict adherence to company fuel and sustainability policies.
• Delivering consistent On-Time Performance to meet Etihad’s commitment to reliability and unparalleled guest satisfaction.

Compensation and Benefits

Etihad Airways offers a highly competitive, tax-free remuneration package designed to reward exceptional performance and support a premium lifestyle in Abu Dhabi. The annual package typically comprises a basic salary, flying pay, housing allowance, and layover and meal allowances. Captains have the potential to earn up to AED 637,304 (approximately USD 171,589) per year, based on 75 flying hours per month. This salary is enhanced by performance-based annual increments and a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:

• Education allowance: Up to AED 40,000 for primary and AED 55,000 for secondary education per child, for a maximum of three children.
• Income protection scheme.
• 42 days of annual leave.
• Industry-leading staff travel benefits and exclusive access to Etihad’s discount programmes.
• End-of-service benefits.
• Accidental and life insurance coverage.

Qualifications and Experience

Prospective Captains must meet the following stringent criteria to be considered for this prestigious role:

• A minimum of 5,500 total flying hours.
• A minimum of 2,500 Pilot in Command (PIC) hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit aircraft.
• A minimum of 1,500 PIC hours specifically on one of the Airbus A320 Family.
• Recent operational experience on the A320 family, having flown within the last 12 months.
• A type rating on the A320 that remains valid for a minimum of two months at the time of joining.
• Possession of an unrestricted and current ICAO Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
• Current on the A320 aircraft type.
• An unrestricted and current Class 1 medical certificate.
• Must not have attained the age of 59 years on the date of joining.
• Current Trainer/Examiner (TRE/TRI) qualifications are considered a significant advantage.
• English Language Fluency (written and verbal) at Level 4 or higher.
• For hours accumulated on flights with in-flight relief, 75% of the total hours will be counted towards the required minimums.

Note: "Glass Cockpit" refers to aircraft equipped with a Flight Management System (FMS) coupled to an Automatic Flight Director System (AFDS).

About Etihad Airways

Established in 2003 as the national airline of the UAE, Etihad Airways has rapidly ascended to become one of the world’s leading carriers. Operating from its strategic hub in Abu Dhabi, Etihad provides passenger and cargo services to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Through extensive codeshare partnerships, Etihad’s network offers seamless access to hundreds of international destinations. The airline has garnered numerous prestigious awards for its superior service, innovative products, cargo capabilities, and loyalty programmes, all integral to its ambitious Journey 2030 strategy. Etihad aims to double its fleet size and triple its customer base within the next six years, aspiring to be the airline everyone desires to fly.