Opportunity Overview: Commanding Global Cargo Operations
Etihad Airways invites applications from highly qualified and experienced aviation professionals for the position of Freighter Captain, based at its operational hub in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This is an extraordinary time to join the national airline of the UAE, which is currently undergoing unprecedented growth and redefining global aviation standards.
With a clear strategy to double its fleet by 2030, Etihad is investing heavily in the future. In 2025 alone, the airline carried over 10 million guests, announced more than 30 new destinations, and recorded the strongest half-year profit in its history, demonstrating robust stability and unparalleled opportunities for career progression.
Etihad is committed to providing its pilots with exceptional careers. Abu Dhabi, consistently ranked as one of the world’s safest and most cosmopolitan cities, offers a vibrant lifestyle for Captains and their families. This role is complemented by competitive, tax-free salaries, industry-leading concessionary travel benefits, comprehensive insurance, and numerous avenues for professional advancement.
The Role and Core Responsibilities
The Freighter Captain holds ultimate authority for the safe, secure, and efficient operation of every flight. The incumbent is entrusted with technical command of the aircraft, leadership of the crew, and the responsibility to consistently uphold Etihad’s highest standards of operational professionalism and reliability.
- Ensures the safety and security of all crew, cargo, and aircraft throughout the duration of the flight.
- Exercises full command of the aircraft from taxi-out procedures to final engine shutdown.
- Leads the flight and cabin crew with strong decision-making capabilities and effective Crew Resource Management (CRM).
- Operates flights with maximum efficiency and environmental responsibility, in strict adherence to company fuel and sustainability policies.
- Delivers consistent On-Time Performance (OTP) to meet Etihad’s commitment to scheduling reliability.
Compensation and Benefits Package
As a Freighter Captain with Etihad, the successful candidate will receive a competitive, tax-free annual package designed to recognize performance and the unique demands of global cargo operations. The package includes a base salary, monthly productivity pay, and variable pay, with the potential to earn up to AED 359,400 (USD 97,862) per year, based on an average of 14 operating days per month. Captains are also eligible for an annual incentive of up to AED 23,000 (USD 6,262), based on a 175-day working pattern. Salary includes performance-based annual increments and is complemented by a comprehensive range of benefits:
- Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
- Accidental and life insurance coverage.
- Industry-leading staff travel benefits and access to Etihad’s exclusive discount programmes.
- Attractive end-of-service benefits.
Minimum Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet all General Eligibility requirements listed below, in addition to satisfying the requirements of either Criteria A or Criteria B.
Criteria A
- Minimum 7,000 hours total flying time.
- Minimum 2,500 Pilot in Command (PIC) hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit (1) aircraft, of which 2,000 hours must be on any Boeing wide-body aircraft above 140 tons.
- Minimum 1,500 PIC hours on any Boeing wide-body Fly-by-Wire (FBW) aircraft.
Criteria B
- Minimum 7,000 total flying hours.
- Minimum 3,000 PIC hours on jet multi-crew, glass cockpit (1) aircraft, of which 2,500 hours must be on Boeing wide-body aircraft above 140 tons as commander.
General Eligibility
- Must have flown any Boeing FBW aircraft within the last 12 months.
- Type rating on the applicable aircraft must be valid for at least two additional months at the time of joining.
- Possession of an unrestricted and current Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) issued by an ICAO member state.
- Possession of an unrestricted, current Class 1 medical certificate.
- Must not have attained the age of 59 on the scheduled day of joining.
- Demonstrated English language fluency (written and verbal) equivalent to ICAO Level 4 or higher.
(1) Glass Cockpit: Defined as an aircraft equipped with a Flight Management System (FMS) coupled to an Automatic Pilot Flight Director System (APFDS).
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, established in 2003, is the national airline of the UAE and has rapidly ascended to become one of the world's leading carriers. Operating from its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad serves passenger and cargo destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Through strategic codeshare partnerships, Etihad’s network provides access to hundreds of international destinations globally.
The airline is executing an ambitious Journey 2030 strategy, which involves doubling the fleet size and tripling customer volume over the next six years, reinforcing its mission to be the airline everyone wants to fly.
Recruitment Fraud Alert
Prospective candidates are advised to beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to represent the Etihad group. Etihad will never request personal information, bank details, or payment during the recruitment process. Formal interviews are conducted face-to-face or via official video/telephone channels before any formal offer is extended. Any request for money should be treated as fraudulent.