Etihad Airways | First Officer

First Officer - Boeing Fleet

Etihad Airways invites accomplished aviation professionals to "Make the World Their Home" by joining its expanding Boeing fleet as a First Officer. This is an extraordinary time to join Etihad; in 2025 alone, the airline transported over 10 million guests, inaugurated 27 new destinations, and reported its strongest half-year profit to date. With more than 20 new aircraft scheduled for arrival this year and a strategic objective to double its fleet by 2030, Etihad is making significant investments in the future and actively reshaping global aviation standards.

Etihad's commitment extends not only to pushing boundaries for its guests through innovation, sustainability, and world-class service but also to offering its pilots exceptional career pathways. Based in Abu Dhabi, recognised as the world's safest city in 2025, pilots and their families can enjoy a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle. This is further enhanced by competitive tax-free salaries, generous concessionary travel, comprehensive benefits, and abundant opportunities for professional advancement both within and beyond the flight deck.

Remuneration and Benefits

Etihad Airways offers a highly competitive, tax-free remuneration package meticulously designed to reward performance and support a superior lifestyle in Abu Dhabi. The annual compensation framework includes basic salary, flying pay, housing allowance, alongside layover and meal allowances. First Officers have the potential to earn up to AED 513,732 (approximately USD 138,318) per year, based on 75 flying hours per month. This package is further enhanced by performance-based annual increments and a comprehensive suite of benefits:

• Education allowance of up to AED 40,000 for primary and AED 55,000 for secondary education per child, applicable for up to three children.
• Robust income protection scheme.
• 42 days of annual leave.
• Industry-leading staff travel benefits and exclusive access to Etihad's discounts.
• End-of-service benefits.
• Comprehensive accidental and life insurance coverage.

The Role: First Officer Responsibilities

The First Officer at Etihad Airways serves as a crucial member of the flight deck team, providing essential support to the Captain to ensure the safe, secure, and efficient operation of all flights. This role requires demonstrated professionalism, exceptional technical skill, and strong teamwork, alongside a proactive approach to developing leadership capabilities for future command.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Captain in all facets of flight preparation, navigation, and operation, strictly adhering to Etihad's operating procedures and international regulatory standards.
• Maintaining continuous and independent verification of aircraft position, terrain awareness, and meteorological conditions to ensure safe navigation at all times.
• Providing clear, concise communication, expert advice, and comprehensive support to the Captain, contributing to safe and efficient decision-making processes.
• Upholding the highest standards of discipline, professional conduct, and personal appearance, thereby representing Etihad Airways with distinction in every environment.
• Assuming command in the event of Captain incapacitation, in strict accordance with rank and established company procedures.

Candidate Requirements

Prospective First Officers must satisfy the following stringent criteria for consideration:

• A minimum of 2,500 hours total flying time.
• A minimum of 1,500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit (aircraft with a Flight Management System (FMS) coupled to an Automatic Pilot Flight Director System (APFDS)), or high-performance military jet aircraft.
• A minimum of 500 hours on Boeing aircraft.
• Currently flying on any Boeing aircraft type.
• Must have flown any Boeing aircraft type within the last 12 months.
• The type rating on any Boeing aircraft must remain valid for a minimum of 2 months at the anticipated date of joining.
• Possession of a current and unrestricted ICAO Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). A Frozen ATPL is not accepted unless held by a UAE citizen.
• Possession of an unrestricted, current Class 1 medical certificate.
• Maximum age of 50 years on the date of joining.
• Demonstrated English Language Fluency (written and verbal) equivalent to ICAO Level 4 or higher.
• For hours accumulated on flights with in-flight relief, 75% of the total hours will be counted towards the required minimums.

About Etihad Airways

Established in 2003, Etihad Airways rapidly ascended to become one of the world's premier airlines and the proud national airline of the UAE. Operating from its strategic hub in Abu Dhabi, Etihad offers extensive passenger and cargo services across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Through robust codeshare partnerships, Etihad's expansive network provides seamless access to hundreds of international destinations. The airline has garnered numerous accolades in recent years for its exemplary service, innovative products, cargo capabilities, and distinguished loyalty programme. These achievements align with Etihad's ambitious "Journey 2030" strategy, which envisions doubling the fleet size and tripling its customer base within the next six years, reinforcing its position as a globally preferred airline.