First Officer, A320 Fleet
Etihad Airways is seeking highly motivated and experienced pilots to join its expanding A320 fleet as First Officers.
Operating from its hub in Abu Dhabi, the national airline of the UAE, Etihad Airways is a globally recognised carrier celebrated for its superior service, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. With ambitious plans for growth and investment in the future of aviation, Etihad is transforming the industry through creativity and a focus on creating remarkable experiences for both guests and employees. The airline offers significant career progression opportunities and the chance to be part of a dynamic team pushing the boundaries of air travel.
The Role of a First Officer
The First Officer plays a critical role in the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting flights in strict compliance with the current flight plan, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the Captain's instructions when the Captain is not at the controls.
- Diligent notification to the Captain of any change to the current flight plan, ATC instructions, or geographical position upon their return to the controls.
- Providing comprehensive assistance to the Captain regarding administrative duties related to the flight.
- Ensuring the safe navigation of the aircraft by maintaining a continuous and independent check on its geographical position, ensuring safe terrain and weather clearance.
- Representing Etihad Airways professionally at all times, upholding high personal standards of discipline, conduct, and appearance.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered for the First Officer position:
- A minimum of 2500 hours total flying time.
- A minimum of 1500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit (defined as aircraft with an FMS coupled to APFDS), or high-performance military jet aircraft.
- A minimum of 500 hours specifically on the A320 Family.
- Must have flown any Airbus Fly-By-Wire (FBW) aircraft within the last 12 months.
- Hold a valid A320 type rating, which must remain valid for a minimum of two months at the time of joining.
- Possess a current and unrestricted ICAO Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). Frozen ATPLs are not accepted unless held by a UAE citizen.
- Must be current on the A320.
- Hold an unrestricted, current Class 1 medical certificate.
- Maximum age limit of 50 years old.
- Demonstrate English Language Fluency (written and verbal) at Level 4 or higher.
- Note: For hours accumulated on flights with in-flight relief, 75% of the total hours will be counted towards the required minimums.
What Etihad Offers
Etihad Airways provides a comprehensive and competitive package designed to support its pilots and their families, offering not just a career path but a remarkable lifestyle. Benefits include:
- A competitive annual package comprising basic salary, flying pay, housing allowance to secure accommodation of choice, and layover/meal allowances.
- Potential to earn a tax-free annual income of up to 513,732 AED (approximately USD 138,318) based on 75 flying hours per month.
- Annual salary increments based on performance.
- Additional benefits, such as:
- Education allowance (up to AED 40,000 for primary and AED 55,000 for secondary, for up to 3 children).
- Income protection scheme.
- 42 days of annual leave.
- Industry-leading staff travel benefits and access to Etihad’s exclusive iSave discount programme.
- End-of-service benefits.
- Accidental and life insurance coverage.
- Health insurance.
- Gym memberships.
- The opportunity for endless progression opportunities within the cockpit and beyond.
- Residency in Abu Dhabi, consistently ranked among the world's safest cities, offering a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle with the benefit of tax-free earnings.
Application Process - London Gatwick Event
Etihad Airways is conducting a pilot assessment event in London Gatwick in July. Interested pilots based in the London Gatwick region are invited to submit their details via the provided link. The Etihad Pilot Recruitment Team will contact applicants who meet the specified criteria to confirm assessment dates and provide next steps for the July event. Candidates not based in the London Gatwick region are advised that future assessment events across other locations will be announced shortly; therefore, application should only be submitted for the London Gatwick event if based in the region.