First Officer, Airbus A320 Family - Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways extends an invitation to experienced aviation professionals to join its rapidly expanding team as a First Officer. This is an exceptional period to be part of Etihad's journey; the airline has recently achieved significant milestones, including transporting over 10 million guests, launching 27 new destinations, and recording its strongest half-year profit in 2025. With a robust plan to double its fleet by 2030 and more than 20 new aircraft arriving this year, Etihad is making substantial investments in its future, actively reshaping the landscape of global aviation.
Dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and delivering world-class service to its guests, Etihad equally commits to providing its pilots with outstanding career opportunities. Based in Abu Dhabi, recognized as the world's safest city in 2025, the role offers a dynamic, cosmopolitan lifestyle for pilots and their families. This is complemented by a highly competitive package including tax-free salaries, extensive concessionary travel, comprehensive benefits, and abundant opportunities for professional growth both within and beyond the flight deck. Etihad seeks individuals who are ready to make the world their home.
The Role of a First Officer
As a First Officer with Etihad Airways, the incumbent serves as a vital member of the flight deck crew, diligently supporting the Captain to ensure the safe, secure, and efficient execution of every flight. First Officers are expected to consistently demonstrate exemplary professionalism, advanced technical skills, and strong teamwork, while actively cultivating their leadership capabilities in preparation for future command.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting the Captain in all facets of flight preparation, navigation, and operation, ensuring strict adherence to Etihad's operating procedures and all relevant regulatory standards.
- Maintaining a continuous and independent vigilance over aircraft position, surrounding terrain, and prevailing weather conditions to support safe and precise navigation at all times.
- Providing clear and concise communication, expert advice, and robust support to the Captain, thereby contributing to sound and efficient decision-making processes.
- Upholding the highest standards of discipline, professional conduct, and personal appearance, representing Etihad Airways with distinction in all operational and public environments.
- Assuming command in the event of Captain incapacitation, in full compliance with established rank protocols and company procedures.
Compensation and Benefits
Etihad Airways offers a highly competitive, tax-free compensation package meticulously designed to reward performance and facilitate a high-quality lifestyle in Abu Dhabi. The comprehensive annual package for a First Officer includes a basic salary, flying pay, a housing allowance, and allowances for layovers and meals. Based on an average of 75 flying hours per month, the potential annual earnings can reach up to AED 513,732 (approximately USD 138,318). The salary structure incorporates performance-based annual increments and is complemented by an extensive range of benefits, including:
- An education allowance of up to AED 40,000 for primary education and AED 55,000 for secondary education per child, applicable for up to three children.
- A robust income protection scheme.
- 42 days of annual leave.
- Industry-leading staff travel benefits and exclusive access to Etihad's corporate discounts.
- Comprehensive end-of-service benefits.
- Accidental and life insurance coverage.
Qualifications and Requirements
Candidates for the First Officer position must meet the following stringent criteria to be considered:
- A minimum of 2500 hours of total flying time.
- A minimum of 1500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit (defined as aircraft with a Flight Management System coupled to an Automatic Flight Director System), or high-performance military jet aircraft.
- At least 500 hours must have been accumulated on an Airbus A320 Family aircraft.
- The applicant must have flown an Airbus Fly-By-Wire (FBW) aircraft within the last 12 months.
- A valid Airbus A320 type rating, maintaining validity for a minimum of two months at the anticipated date of joining.
- Possession of a current and unrestricted ICAO Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Frozen ATPLs are not accepted unless held by a UAE citizen.
- Current on Airbus A320 aircraft.
- Holding an unrestricted, current Class 1 medical certificate.
- A maximum age of 50 years on the date of joining Etihad Airways.
- English Language Fluency (written and verbal) assessed at ICAO Level 4 or higher.
- For hours accumulated on flights with in-flight relief, 75% of these total hours will be credited towards the required minimums.