Etihad Airways | A320 First Officer

First Officer, A320 Family

Make the world the candidate's home by joining Etihad Airways.

This is an extraordinary time to join Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE. The company is actively investing in its future and redefining global aviation through innovation, sustainability, and world-class service. With over 10 million guests carried in 2025 alone, 27 new destinations launched, and the strongest half-year profit in history recorded, Etihad is on a significant growth trajectory. The airline anticipates more than 20 new aircraft arrivals this year with a clear strategic path to double its fleet by 2030.

Etihad is committed to providing its pilots with exceptional, structured careers. Based in Abu Dhabi—ranked the world’s safest city in 2025—pilots benefit from a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle, tax-free salaries, comprehensive benefits, and concessionary travel privileges. The role offers endless opportunities for professional progression inside and beyond the cockpit, aligning with the airline’s ambitious Journey 2030 strategy to become the airline everyone wants to fly.

The Role: A320 First Officer

The First Officer is a key member of the flight deck crew, primarily responsible for supporting the Captain in ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient operation of every flight. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate exemplary professionalism, technical skill, and strong teamwork while actively developing the necessary leadership capabilities for future command progression.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisting the Captain in all facets of flight preparation, navigation, and operation, ensuring strict adherence to Etihad’s standard operating procedures and international regulatory standards.
• Maintaining a continuous and independent check of aircraft position, terrain clearance, and prevailing weather conditions to support safe navigation at all times.
• Providing clear communication, professional advice, and comprehensive support to the Captain to contribute to safe and efficient decision-making processes.
• Upholding the highest standards of discipline, conduct, and personal appearance, thereby representing Etihad professionally across all operational environments.
• Assuming command of the aircraft in the event of Captain incapacitation, in strict accordance with the rank and established company procedures.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits Package

Etihad Airways provides a highly competitive, tax-free compensation package designed to reward pilot performance and support a premium lifestyle in Abu Dhabi. The annual package includes a basic salary, flying pay, housing allowance, and layover and meal allowances, offering the potential to earn up to AED 513,732 (USD 138,318) per year based on 75 flying hours per month. Salary includes performance-based annual increments, complemented by a comprehensive range of benefits:

Pilot Benefits Include:

• Education allowance of up to AED 40,000 for primary and AED 55,000 for secondary per child, supporting up to three children.
• Income protection scheme provision.
• 42 days of standard annual leave entitlement.
• Industry-leading staff travel benefits and access to Etihad’s exclusive discounts program.
• Accidental and life insurance coverage.
• End-of-service benefits in line with UAE labour law.

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

To be considered for the First Officer position, candidates must meet the following mandatory criteria:

Pilot Experience and Certification:

• A minimum of 2,000 hours of total flying time.
• A minimum of 1,500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit MPA (Multi-Pilot Aircraft). (Note: Glass Cockpit refers to aircraft equipped with a Flight Management System coupled to an Automatic Pilot Flight Director System).
• 500 hours minimum on the A320 Type.
• Must have flown any aircraft within the A320 family within the last 12 months.
• The A320 Type Rating must remain valid for a minimum of two months at the time of joining the airline.
• Possession of an unrestricted Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by an ICAO member state. (Note: Holders of a CPL must provide results of the ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Exam and an integrated ATPL course completion certificate).
• Possession of an unrestricted, current Class 1 medical certificate.
• English Language Fluency (written and verbal) Level 4 or better.
• Candidates must not have attained the age of 50 on the day of joining.
• In cases where hours are accumulated on flights with inflight relief, 75% of the total hours accumulated shall be counted towards the required minimums.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, established in 2003, is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and has rapidly emerged as one of the world's leading carriers. Operating from its 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, the airline’s network provides access to hundreds of international destinations globally. In recent years, Etihad has earned numerous prestigious awards recognizing its superior service, innovative products, cargo offering, and loyalty program, all integral elements of its ambitious Journey 2030 strategy.