Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, established in 2003, has rapidly become one of the world's leading airlines. Operating from its base in Abu Dhabi, Etihad connects passengers and cargo to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Through strategic codeshare partnerships, Etihad's network provides extensive global access. Renowned for superior service, products, cargo services, and loyalty programmes, Etihad is committed to its ambitious Journey 2030 strategy, aiming to significantly expand its fleet and customer base to become the preferred airline globally.
Etihad Airways invites applications for the esteemed UAE National Cadet Pilot Programme. This presents an exceptional opportunity to join the national carrier during a period of significant growth and transformation, contributing to the expansion of its modern fleet. The programme seeks to identify and develop the next generation of skilled pilots, offering a pathway to a rewarding aviation career. Successful candidates will embark on a journey designed to fuel their ambition and unlock opportunities for professional growth.
The Cadet Pilot Programme involves a rigorous and structured two-year training period designed to equip candidates with the necessary flight qualifications. This comprehensive programme includes participation in ground school, both within the UAE and overseas, advanced flight simulations, and practical flying training. A fundamental element of the training is adherence to Etihad's unwavering 'Safety First, Always' principle, ensuring thorough instruction and strict compliance with safety protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory requirements at all times. Candidates will benefit from dedicated mentoring and support provided by highly experienced instructor pilots throughout their training journey. The training is designed to develop both personal and professional capabilities required for a successful flying career with the airline.
Successful candidates enrolled in the programme receive a monthly salary of AED 5,000 during the initial two years of training.
Upon successful completion of the License Skill Test (LST), the salary increases to AED 16,667 per month, supplemented by variable allowances, for a period of six months.
Following the completion of Line Training Under Supervision (LFUS), the salary advances to AED 24,000 per month, plus variable allowances. Step increments are applied over four years, culminating in a potential monthly salary of AED 34,000.
Upon achieving the required flying hours and obtaining the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), cadets are promoted to the position of Senior First Officer (SFO), earning a monthly salary of AED 39,853.
Prospective candidates for the UAE National Cadet Pilot Programme must meet the following criteria:
To apply for the UAE National Cadet Pilot Programme, candidates are required to submit the following mandatory documents:
Applications will only be considered if all required documents are included.
The closing date for applications is Monday, 16th June 2025. Applicants must ensure all required documents are submitted prior to this deadline.