An Extraordinary Time to Join Global Aviation
Etihad Airways is currently experiencing an unprecedented phase of expansion and success. The organization is aggressively investing in its future, redefining global aviation standards, and setting a clear path to double its fleet by 2030. In 2025 alone, Etihad proudly served over 10 million guests, inaugurated 27 new destinations, and achieved the strongest half-year profit in its operating history. Candidates are invited to join an airline that pushes boundaries through innovation, sustainability, and world-class service, simultaneously offering its pilots exceptional career trajectories.
Based in Abu Dhabi—officially ranked as the world’s safest city in 2025—this role offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle for pilots and their families. The career package is complemented by a tax-free salary structure, industry-leading concessionary travel, comprehensive benefits, and extensive opportunities for progression inside and beyond the flight deck.
The Role: Cargo First Officer
The Cargo First Officer serves as a crucial member of the flight deck team, collaborating closely with the Captain to ensure the safe, secure, and highly efficient operation of every flight. The ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate technical proficiency, professionalism, and strong teamwork while actively developing the leadership capabilities essential for future command.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist the Captain in all facets of flight preparation, navigation, and operation, strictly adhering to Etihad’s operating procedures and all relevant regulatory standards.
- Maintain a continuous, independent check of the aircraft’s position, surrounding terrain, and weather conditions to support safe navigation throughout the journey.
- Provide clear communication, sound advice, and dedicated support to the Captain, contributing significantly to safe and efficient decision-making processes.
- Uphold the highest standards of discipline, conduct, and personal appearance, ensuring professional representation of Etihad Airways in every environment.
- In the event of Captain incapacitation, assume command promptly in accordance with rank and established company procedures.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits
Etihad offers the Cargo First Officer a competitive, tax-free annual package designed to recognize both performance and the specialized demands of cargo operations. The package is structured around a 175-day working pattern and includes performance-based annual increments:
Financial Package Highlights (Annual):
- Base Salary: AED 216,000 (USD 58,815).
- Monthly productivity pay and variable pay components.
- An annual incentive of up to AED 16,500 (USD 4,492), based on performance.
Comprehensive Benefits:
- Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
- Accidental and life insurance coverage.
- Industry-leading staff travel benefits and access to Etihad’s exclusive discount programs.
- End-of-service benefits in compliance with UAE labour law.
Candidate Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for the position of Cargo First Officer, prospective candidates must meet the following mandatory criteria:
Minimum Experience and Licensing:
- A minimum of 2500 hours total flying time.
- A minimum of 1500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit aircraft (Note 1).
- Minimum 1000 hours flown on any Boeing aircraft type.
- Must be currently flying on any Boeing aircraft.
- Must have flown any Boeing aircraft within the preceding 12 months.
- Unrestricted Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by an ICAO member state (Note 2).
- Unrestricted, current Class 1 medical certificate.
- English Language Fluency (written and verbal) equivalent to ICAO Level 4 or higher.
- The Boeing type rating must be valid for a minimum of two (2) months at the time of joining.
- Candidates must not have attained the age of 50 on the day of joining.
Notes on Requirements:
- (Note 1) Glass Cockpit is defined as an aircraft equipped with a Flight Management System (FMS) coupled to an Automatic Flight Path Director System (APFDS).
- (Note 2) Holders of a CPL License must submit results of the ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Examination and an integrated ATPL course completion certificate.
- Hours accumulated on flights with in-flight relief shall count as 75% of the total hours towards the required minimums.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the distinguished national airline of the UAE, was established in 2003 and has rapidly evolved into one of the world’s leading carriers. Operating from its strategic hub in Abu Dhabi, Etihad provides extensive passenger and cargo services connecting destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Through strong codeshare partnerships, the airline's network provides access to hundreds of international locations.
Etihad is committed to its ambitious "Journey 2030" strategy, which aims to double the fleet size and triple the number of customers over the next six years, ensuring its position as the preferred global airline. The company has recently been honored with numerous awards recognizing its superior service, cargo operations, loyalty programs, and overall product excellence.