Make the world your home with Etihad Airways.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the distinguished national airline of the UAE, was founded in 2003 and has swiftly become one of the world's leading carriers. From its strategically located home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad operates extensive passenger and cargo services to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Through its robust network of codeshare partners, Etihad offers unparalleled access to hundreds of international locations.
The airline is globally recognized for its superior service, innovative products, and pioneering cargo offerings, having received numerous awards. Etihad has also demonstrated exceptional leadership in global health crises, notably being the first airline worldwide to fully vaccinate its on-board crew in response to COVID-19.
Etihad Airways is experiencing an exciting period of growth, marked by ambitious expansion plans and significant investment in its future. The airline is committed to transforming the aviation industry through creativity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of sustainability, pushing boundaries to create thoughtful choices and remarkable experiences for both its esteemed guests and valued employees.
Why Join Etihad in Abu Dhabi?
Joining Etihad Airways represents not just a career advancement with boundless progression opportunities, both within and beyond the cockpit, but also an exceptional lifestyle choice for individuals and their families. Abu Dhabi, acclaimed as the world’s safest city in 2025, offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and secure environment to live and thrive.
Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including tax-free salaries, industry-leading concessionary travel, robust health insurance, gym memberships, and more. This unique opportunity combines a rewarding aviation career with the chance to build a fulfilling life in a dynamic and welcoming global city.
The Role: First Officer (A320)
Etihad Airways is seeking highly skilled and dedicated First Officers for its A320 fleet. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of flight operations, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Key responsibilities for this role include:
- Conducting flights in strict adherence to the current flight plan, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the Captain's instructions. When the Captain is not at the controls, the First Officer will promptly notify him/her of any changes to the flight plan, Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions, or geographical position upon their return.
- Assisting the Captain as requested, concerning any administrative duties related to the flight.
- Confirming the safe navigation of the aircraft by maintaining a continuous and independent check upon both the geographical position of the aircraft and ensuring safe terrain and weather clearance.
- Maintaining the highest personal standards of discipline, conduct, and appearance as a professional representative of Etihad Airways at all times.
Compensation and Benefits
Etihad Airways offers a highly competitive and attractive annual package designed to reward experienced aviation professionals. The comprehensive remuneration structure includes a basic salary, flying pay, a housing allowance to facilitate securing a preferred home, in addition to layover and meal allowances.
Pilots have the potential to earn up to AED 513,732 (approximately USD 138,318) tax-free per annum, based on 75 hours of flying per month. Annual salary increments are provided based on individual performance. The overall compensation package is further enhanced by an array of additional benefits:
- Education allowance of AED 40,000 for primary education and AED 55,000 for secondary education, applicable for up to three children.
- An income protection scheme.
- 42 days of annual leave.
- Industry-leading staff travel benefits and exclusive access to Etihad’s iSave discount programme.
- End-of-service benefits.
- Comprehensive accidental and life insurance coverage.
Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for the First Officer (A320) position, prospective candidates must meet the following stringent criteria:
- A minimum of 2500 hours total flying time.
- A minimum of 1500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit (defined as an aircraft with a Flight Management System (FMS) coupled to an Automatic Flight Control and Flight Director System (APFDS)), or high-performance military jet aircraft.
- A minimum of 500 hours accumulated on an A320 Family aircraft.
- Must have flown any Airbus Fly-by-Wire (FBW) aircraft within the last 12 months.
- Possession of an A320 type rating that remains valid for a minimum of 2 months at the time of joining.
- A current and unrestricted ICAO Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Frozen ATPLs are not accepted unless held by a UAE citizen.
- Currently rated and proficient on the A320 aircraft.
- Holding an unrestricted, current Class 1 medical certificate.
- A maximum age of 50 years on the date of joining.
- Demonstrated English Language Fluency (written and verbal) at Level 4 or better.
- In cases where hours are accumulated on flights with in-flight relief, 75% of the total hours will be counted towards the required minimums.