Co-Pilot / First Officer - Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is currently navigating an exciting period of growth, with ambitious plans to expand its global network significantly. The airline is making substantial investments in its future, driven by a commitment to transforming the aviation industry through creativity, innovation, and sustainability. Etihad strives to offer a world of thoughtful choices for its guests on every journey and is equally dedicated to cultivating a remarkable and thoughtful employee experience.
Joining Etihad Airways represents not only a significant career move with abundant progression opportunities but also an outstanding lifestyle choice for employees and their families. Based in Abu Dhabi, recognized as the world’s safest city in 2025, employees can build a life in a vibrant and cosmopolitan environment. The comprehensive package includes tax-free salaries, generous concessionary travel benefits, comprehensive health insurance, gym memberships, and more, promising an exciting new adventure.
Compensation and Benefits
Etihad Airways offers a competitive annual package that includes a basic salary, flying pay, a housing allowance providing flexibility in choosing one's residence, and allowances for layovers and meals. Pilots have the potential to earn up to 513,732 AED tax-free annually based on 75 hours of flying per month. Annual salary increments are awarded based on performance, supplemented by additional benefits:
- Education allowance of AED 40,000 for primary and AED 55,000 for secondary education, supporting up to 3 children.
- Income protection scheme.
- 42 days of annual leave.
- Industry-leading staff travel privileges and access to Etihad’s exclusive iSave discount program.
- End-of-service benefits.
- Accidental and life insurance coverage.
The Role
The Co-Pilot is primarily responsible for the safety and security of the aircraft, passengers, and cargo onboard, within the scope of their assigned duties. In the absence of the Commander for any reason, the Co-Pilot assumes these responsibilities. Key duties include:
- Maintaining thorough familiarity with Etihad’s Operations Manual necessary for fulfilling the role professionally and safely.
- Assisting the Commander with any administrative duties related to the flight as requested.
- Supporting the Commander in upholding proper standards of crew discipline, conduct, and personal appearance.
- Executing duties concerning the flight in accordance with Etihad’s operating policies and procedures, as allocated by the Commander.
- Confirming the safe navigation of the aircraft, maintaining a continuous and independent check on both the aircraft's geographical position and ensuring safe terrain and weather clearance.
- Conducting the flight in compliance with the current flight plan, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the Commander’s instructions when the Commander is not at the controls, and subsequently notifying the Commander of any changes upon their return.
- Providing advice, information, and assistance to the Commander without hesitation if required, thereby contributing favourably towards the safe and efficient conduct of the flight.
- Maintaining high personal standards of discipline, conduct, and appearance as a representative of Etihad Airways at all times.
- In the event of Commander incapacitation, the highest-ranking Co-Pilot assigned to the flight shall assume command.
Qualifications and Requirements
Prospective candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for this opportunity:
- Minimum of 2500 hours total flying time.
- Minimum of 1500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit (defined as aircraft with an FMS coupled to APFDS), or high-performance military jet aircraft.
- Minimum 1000 hours on Airbus A330, A340, A350, or A380 aircraft.
- Possess a valid type rating on any Airbus FBW (Fly-By-Wire) aircraft, which must be valid for a minimum of 2 months at the time of joining.
- Hold a current and unrestricted ICAO ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License). Frozen ATPLs are not accepted unless held by a UAE citizen.
- Must have flown any Airbus FBW aircraft within the last 12 months.
- Candidates currently type-rated on the Airbus A320 require a previous type-rating on the A350 or A380.
- Hold an unrestricted, current Class 1 medical certificate.
- Maximum age of 50 years on the date of joining.
- Demonstrate English Language Fluency (written and verbal) at ICAO Level 4 or higher.
- For flying hours accumulated on flights with inflight relief, 75% of the total hours will be counted towards the required minimums.