First Officer (B777/B787) - Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways invites skilled and ambitious pilots to join its expanding global team as a First Officer. This is an extraordinary time to be part of an airline experiencing unprecedented growth, with over 10 million guests carried and 27 new destinations launched in 2025 alone. Having recorded its strongest half-year profit in history and with more than 20 new aircraft arriving this year, Etihad is firmly on track to double its fleet by 2030. The airline is actively investing in its future, redefining global aviation standards through innovation, sustainability, and world-class service.

Why Choose Etihad and Abu Dhabi?

Etihad is deeply committed to providing its pilots with exceptional careers, mirroring the same dedication it shows to its guests. Located in Abu Dhabi, ranked the world's safest city, pilots and their families can enjoy a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle. This is complemented by competitive, tax-free salaries, extensive concessionary travel benefits, comprehensive insurance, and abundant opportunities for professional progression both within the flight deck and across the wider organisation.

Compensation and Benefits Package

Etihad Airways offers a highly competitive, tax-free compensation package designed to reward performance and support a premium lifestyle in Abu Dhabi. The comprehensive annual package includes a basic salary, flying pay, a housing allowance, and 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. Annual increments are performance-based and are complemented by an extensive range of benefits:

Education allowance of up to AED 40,000 for primary and AED 55,000 for secondary education per child, for up to three children.
Robust income protection scheme.
Generous 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 of a First Officer

As a First Officer with Etihad, the incumbent serves as a vital member of the flight deck team, providing essential support to the Captain in ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient operation of every flight. First Officers are expected to demonstrate exemplary professionalism, advanced technical skill, and strong teamwork, while actively developing their leadership capabilities in preparation for future command.

Assists the Captain in all facets of flight preparation, navigation, and operation, ensuring strict adherence to Etihad’s operating procedures and international regulatory standards.
Maintains a continuous and independent vigilance of aircraft position, terrain, and weather conditions to ensure safe navigation at all times.
Provides clear, concise communication, expert advice, and unwavering support to the Captain, contributing to safe and efficient decision-making processes.
Upholds the highest standards of discipline, conduct, and personal appearance, representing Etihad professionally in all environments.
In the unforeseen event of Captain incapacitation, assumes command in full accordance with rank and established company procedures.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Prospective First Officers must meet the following mandatory criteria to be considered for this prestigious role:

A minimum of 2,500 hours of total flying time.
A minimum of 1,500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit (aircraft with a Flight Management System coupled to an Automatic Flight Director System), or high-performance military jet aircraft.
A minimum of 500 hours on Boeing B777/B787 aircraft.
Currently type-rated on Boeing B777/B787 aircraft.
Has flown Boeing B777/B787 aircraft within the last 12 months.
The Boeing B777/B787 type rating must be valid for a minimum of 2 months at the time of joining.
Possession of a current and unrestricted ICAO Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Frozen ATPLs are not accepted unless held by a UAE citizen.
An unrestricted, current Class 1 medical certificate.
A maximum age of 50 years on the date of joining Etihad.
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

Etihad Airways, the distinguished national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was established in 2003 and has rapidly ascended to become one of the world's preeminent airlines. Operating from its strategic hub in Abu Dhabi, Etihad provides extensive passenger and cargo services to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Through robust codeshare partnerships, Etihad's network offers unparalleled access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has garnered numerous prestigious awards for its superior service, innovative products, cargo capabilities, and acclaimed loyalty programme. These achievements are integral to Etihad’s ambitious 'Journey 2030' strategy, which aims to double the airline's fleet size and triple its customer base over the next six years, solidifying its position as the airline everyone aspires to fly.