Join Etihad Airways: Shape the Future of Aviation as a First Officer (Airbus)
Etihad Airways is undergoing an exciting transformation, investing heavily in its future with ambitious plans for expansion. A global leader in creativity, innovation, and sustainability, Etihad is dedicated to redefining the guest experience and creating a world of thoughtful choices on every journey. Equally committed to its employees, the airline fosters a remarkable and thoughtful work environment.
Based in Abu Dhabi, ranked among the world's safest cities, joining Etihad offers not just a career path with endless progression opportunities within and beyond the cockpit, but also an exceptional lifestyle for aviation professionals and their families. Employees benefit from competitive, tax-free salaries, concessionary travel, health insurance, gym memberships, and more, enjoying life in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.
What Etihad Offers
Etihad provides a competitive annual package comprising basic salary, flying pay, housing allowance, and layover and meal allowances. First Officers have the potential to earn up to 513,732 AED tax-free per annum based on 75 hours of flying per month, with annual salary increments based on performance. Additional benefits include:
- Education allowance of AED 40,000 for primary and AED 55,000 for secondary education, for up to three children.
- Income protection scheme.
- 42 days of annual leave.
- Industry-leading staff travel benefits and access to Etihad’s exclusive iSave discount program.
- End-of-service benefits.
- Accidental and life insurance coverage.
The Role of a First Officer
The First Officer is entrusted with ensuring the safety and security of the aircraft, passengers, and cargo onboard, in accordance with their duties. In the absence of the Commander for any reason, the First Officer assumes responsibility. Key duties include:
- Maintaining familiarity with Etihad’s Operations Manual as necessary to fulfill responsibilities professionally and safely.
- Assisting the Commander with administrative duties related to the flight as requested.
- Supporting the Commander in maintaining proper standards of crew discipline, conduct, and personal appearance.
- Carrying out assigned duties concerning the flight in accordance with Etihad’s operating policies and procedures and the Commander's instructions.
- Confirming the safe navigation of the aircraft, maintaining a continuous and independent check on the aircraft's geographical position, ensuring safe terrain and weather clearance.
- Conducting the flight in compliance with the current flight plan, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Commander’s instructions when the Commander is not at the controls, and promptly notifying the Commander of any changes upon their return.
- Providing necessary advice, information, and assistance to the Commander without hesitation to contribute favorably towards the safe and efficient conduct of the flight.
- Maintaining high personal standards of discipline, conduct, and appearance as a representative of Etihad Airways at all times.
- Assuming command in the event of Commander incapacitation, as the highest-ranking Co-Pilot assigned to the flight.
What is Required
To be considered for the position of First Officer, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum of 2500 hours total flying time.
- Minimum of 1500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit (aircraft with an FMS coupled to APFDS), or high-performance military jets.
- Minimum 1000 hours on A330, A340, A350, or A380 aircraft types.
- Type rating on any Airbus Fly-By-Wire (FBW) aircraft must be valid for a minimum of 2 months at the time of joining.
- Holding a current and unrestricted ICAO ATPL (Frozen ATPL is not accepted unless held by a UAE citizen).
- Having flown any Airbus FBW aircraft within the last 12 months.
- If currently rated on the A320, a previous type-rating on A350/A380 is required.
- Possessing 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.
- In cases where hours were accumulated on flights with inflight relief, 75% of the total hours will be counted towards the required minimum.
About Etihad Airways
Established in 2003, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has rapidly grown into one of the world’s leading airlines. Operating from its hub in Abu Dhabi, Etihad connects passengers and cargo to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Collaborating with codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. The airline has consistently received numerous awards for its superior service, products, cargo services, and loyalty program. Recognized for its proactive response to COVID-19, Etihad was the first airline globally to fully vaccinate its crew onboard. Etihad is also deeply committed to tackling the climate crisis through strategic partnerships and relentless pursuit of industry decarbonization.