Cargo First Officer - Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways invites accomplished aviation professionals to explore an extraordinary career opportunity as a Cargo First Officer. This pivotal role offers the chance to make the world your home, joining a leading global airline during a period of unprecedented growth and innovation. Etihad is rapidly expanding its fleet, with more than 20 new aircraft arriving this year and a clear strategy to double its size by 2030, reinforcing its position as a redefinitive force in global aviation. In 2025 alone, Etihad proudly carried over 10 million guests, launched 27 new destinations, and achieved its strongest half-year profit in history.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the distinguished national airline of the UAE, was established in 2003 and has since evolved into one of the world's premier carriers. Operating from its strategic hub in Abu Dhabi, Etihad provides extensive passenger and cargo services across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Through valuable codeshare partnerships, Etihad’s network grants access to hundreds of international destinations. The airline has garnered numerous accolades for its superior service, innovative products, robust cargo offering, and acclaimed loyalty program. These achievements underscore Etihad's ambitious Journey 2030 strategy, which aims to double its fleet and triple its customer base within the next six years, aspiring to be the airline of choice for travellers worldwide.

The Opportunity: Cargo First Officer

Etihad Airways is dedicated to fostering exceptional careers for its pilots, aligning with its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and world-class service for its guests. As a Cargo First Officer, the incumbent will be an integral member of the flight deck team, instrumental in supporting the Captain to ensure the safe, secure, and efficient operation of every flight. This role demands exemplary professionalism, advanced technical skill, and robust teamwork, alongside a commitment to developing leadership capabilities for future command progression. Based in Abu Dhabi, consistently ranked the world's safest city, First Officers and their families will enjoy a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle complemented by competitive tax-free salaries, extensive concessionary travel, comprehensive benefits, and abundant opportunities for professional advancement.

Key Responsibilities

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 vigilance over aircraft position, surrounding terrain, and prevailing weather conditions to support safe navigation at all times.
Providing clear, concise communication, expert advice, and unwavering support to the Captain, contributing to safe and efficient decision-making processes.
Upholding the highest standards of discipline, conduct, and personal appearance, representing Etihad Airways with professionalism in all environments.
Assuming command in the event of Captain incapacitation, in strict accordance with rank and established company procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

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

A minimum of 2500 hours total flying time.
A minimum of 1500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit (aircraft with a Flight Management System coupled to an Automatic Pilot Flight Director System) or high-performance military jet aircraft.
A minimum of 500 hours on any Boeing aircraft.
Must currently be flying on any Boeing aircraft.
Must have flown any Boeing aircraft within the last 12 months.
A type rating on any Boeing aircraft, valid for a minimum of two months at the time of joining.
Possession of a current and unrestricted ICAO Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Frozen ATPLs are not accepted unless held by a UAE citizen.
An unrestricted, current Class 1 medical certificate.
Maximum age of 50 years on the date of joining.
English Language Fluency (written and verbal) 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.

Compensation and Benefits

Etihad Airways offers a highly attractive and competitive compensation package for Cargo First Officers, recognizing both performance and the unique demands of cargo operations. This tax-free annual package includes:

A base salary of AED 216,000 (approximately USD 58,815) per year.
Monthly productivity pay.
Variable pay components.
An annual incentive of up to AED 16,500 (approximately USD 4,492), based on a 175-day working pattern.
Performance-based annual salary increments.
A comprehensive range of benefits, including:
- Accidental and life insurance coverage.
- Comprehensive medical insurance.
- Industry-leading staff travel benefits and exclusive access to Etihad’s employee discounts.
- End-of-service benefits.