Jobs at Etihad | First Officer

An Extraordinary Opportunity with Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways invites skilled First Officers to join a rapidly expanding global airline at an extraordinary time of growth and innovation. Having welcomed over 10 million guests and launched 27 new destinations in 2025 alone, Etihad recorded its strongest half-year profit in history. With significant fleet expansion planned, including more than 20 new aircraft arriving this year and a strategic goal to double its fleet by 2030, Etihad is redefining global aviation and investing heavily in its future. Pilots joining Etihad are presented with a unique opportunity to make the world their home.

Lifestyle and Career Progression in Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways is dedicated to fostering exceptional careers for its pilots, mirroring its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and world-class service for guests. Pilots joining Etihad will discover a vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle in Abu Dhabi, consistently ranked among the world’s safest cities in 2025. This desirable living environment is complemented by a competitive, tax-free remuneration package, concessionary travel benefits, comprehensive benefits, and extensive opportunities for career progression within and beyond the cockpit.

Compensation and Benefits Package

Etihad Airways offers a highly competitive, tax-free compensation package designed to reward performance and support a premium lifestyle in Abu Dhabi. The annual remuneration package includes basic salary, flying pay, housing allowance, and layover and meal allowances, with the potential to earn up to AED 513,732 (USD 138,318) annually based on 75 flying hours per month. This package is enhanced by performance-based annual increments and a comprehensive suite of benefits:

• Education allowance of up to AED 40,000 for primary and AED 55,000 for secondary education per child, 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 discounts.
• End-of-service benefits.
• Comprehensive accidental and life insurance coverage.

The Role: First Officer Responsibilities

As a First Officer with Etihad Airways, the incumbent plays a critical role within the flight deck team, directly assisting the Captain in ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient operation of every flight. This position demands exceptional professionalism, technical proficiency, and robust teamwork, alongside a commitment to developing leadership capabilities for future command progression.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Captain in all facets of flight preparation, navigation, and operation, ensuring strict adherence to Etihad’s operating procedures and international regulatory standards.
• Maintaining a continuous and independent verification of aircraft position, terrain, and weather conditions to support safe navigation throughout all flight phases.
• Providing clear and concise communication, informed advice, and essential support to the Captain, thereby contributing to safe and efficient operational decision-making.
• 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.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Candidates aspiring to this First Officer role must meet the following essential criteria:

• A minimum of 2500 hours total flying time.
• A minimum of 1500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit aircraft (defined as aircraft with a Flight Management System (FMS) coupled to an Automatic Flight Director System (APFDS)).
• A minimum of 1000 hours on type.
• Recent experience flying applicable Boeing Aircraft within the last 12 months.
• An applicable Type Rating valid for a minimum of two months at the anticipated date of joining.
• An unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by an ICAO member state. (Holders of a CPL must also present the results of the ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Exam and an integrated ATPL course completion certificate).
• An unrestricted, current Class 1 Medical Certificate.
• Candidates must not have attained the age of 50 on the date of joining.
• English Language Fluency (written and verbal) at ICAO 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.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has established itself as a leading global carrier since its formation in 2003. Operating from its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad provides extensive passenger and cargo services across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Through its vast network and strategic codeshare partnerships, Etihad offers access to hundreds of international destinations. Recognised with numerous awards for its exceptional service and products, cargo operations, and loyalty programs, Etihad is committed to its ambitious Journey 2030 strategy, aiming to double its fleet size and triple its customer base, solidifying its position as a preferred airline worldwide.

Recruitment Fraud Alert

Candidates are advised to be vigilant against fraudulent job offers from individuals or organizations claiming to represent the Etihad group. Etihad Airways will never request personal financial information, bank details, or any form of payment during its recruitment process. All formal interviews are conducted face-to-face or via video/telephone calls prior to any job offer. Any requests for money should be treated as fraudulent.