03 November 2025

Etihad Airways | A320 Captain

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Captain A320 | Global Pilot Career Opportunity | Etihad Airways

The Etihad Advantage: Redefining Global Aviation

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, seeks highly skilled and experienced aviators to join its expanding fleet as an A320 Captain. This is an extraordinary time to join the organization, which has established itself as one of the world's leading airlines since its formation in 2003.

In line with the ambitious Journey 2030 strategy, Etihad is undergoing unprecedented growth, investing heavily in the future with more than 20 new aircraft arriving this year and a clear path to double the fleet size by 2030. Successful candidates will be based in Abu Dhabi, consistently ranked as the world's safest city, offering a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle for pilots and their families, complete with tax-free salaries and outstanding career progression.

The Role: Captain, A320 Family

The Captain holds the ultimate authority for the safe, secure, and efficient operation of every flight. This critical leadership position requires an individual who can flawlessly execute the technical command of the aircraft, lead the flight and cabin crew effectively, and uphold Etihad’s uncompromising standards of professionalism, innovation, and world-class service.

Core Responsibilities and Accountabilities

  • Ensures the safety and security of all crew members, passengers, cargo, and the aircraft throughout all phases of operation.
  • Exercises full command and control of the aircraft, from taxi-out to final engine shutdown.
  • Leads the flight and cabin crew by demonstrating exemplary decision-making abilities and effective Crew Resource Management (CRM).
  • Operates the aircraft with exceptional efficiency and environmental responsibility, strictly adhering to the company’s fuel and sustainability policies.
  • Delivers consistent On Time Performance (OTP) to meet Etihad’s commitment to operational reliability and paramount guest satisfaction.

Compensation and Benefits Package

Etihad provides a highly competitive, tax-free package meticulously designed to reward performance and support an excellent quality of life in Abu Dhabi. The comprehensive annual remuneration includes basic salary, flying pay, housing allowance, and layover and meal allowances.

The potential total annual earnings for this role can reach up to AED 637,304 (USD 171,589), based on 75 flying hours per month. This package is further complemented by performance-based annual increments and a comprehensive range of industry-leading benefits:

  • Tax-free salary structure.
  • Generous Education Allowance: Up to AED 40,000 for primary and AED 55,000 for secondary education per child, for up to three children.
  • 42 days of comprehensive annual leave.
  • Industry-leading staff travel benefits and access to Etihad’s exclusive discount programs.
  • Comprehensive Income Protection Scheme.
  • Accidental and life insurance coverage.
  • End-of-service benefits.

Minimum Requirements for Captain A320

Prospective Captains must meet the following stringent criteria to be considered for this international airline pilot career:

  • Minimum of 5500 hours total flying time.
  • Minimum of 2500 Pilot-in-Command (PIC) hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit aircraft. (Note: Glass cockpit defined as aircraft with a Flight Management System (FMS) coupled to an Auto Pilot Flight Director System (APFDS)).
  • Minimum of 1500 PIC hours specifically accumulated on the Airbus A320 Family.
  • Must have flown the A320 family aircraft within the last 12 months.
  • The A320 Type Rating must remain valid for a minimum of two months at the anticipated time of joining.
  • Possession of an unrestricted and current ICAO Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
  • Must be current on the A320 aircraft.
  • Possession of an unrestricted and current Class 1 medical certificate.
  • The applicant must not have attained the age of 59 years on the day of joining Etihad Airways.
  • English Language Fluency (written and verbal) assessed at Level 4 or higher.
  • Current status as a Type Rating Examiner (TRE) or Type Rating Instructor (TRI) is considered a distinct advantage.
  • Note on flight relief hours: In case of hours accumulated on flights with in-flight relief, 75% of the total hours shall be counted towards the required minimums.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has soared to become one of the world’s foremost carriers since its inception in 2003. Operating from its operational base in Abu Dhabi, Etihad serves key passenger and cargo destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Leveraging strategic codeshare partnerships, Etihad’s network provides seamless access to hundreds of global destinations. Committed to its ambitious Journey 2030 strategy, the airline is focused on doubling its fleet size and tripling its customer base over the next six years, reinforcing its position as the airline everyone wants to fly.

Recruitment Fraud Alert: Candidates are advised to beware of fraudulent job offers. Etihad Airways and its affiliates will never request personal bank details or payment during any stage of the recruitment process. Interviews are strictly conducted face-to-face or via video/telephone before a formal offer is extended.

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