Are you ready to take your career to new heights? 🚀 Joining Etihad Airways is more than just working for an airline — it’s an opportunity to become part of one of the UAE’s most prestigious and ambitious national carriers. Based in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Etihad strives to deliver world-class aviation services while empowering employees with a dynamic and multicultural work environment, career advancement opportunities, and an exceptional employee experience. With aggressive expansion plans and the goal of hiring over 12,000 new employees by 2030, there has never been a better time to explore career opportunities at Etihad. Reddit
In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Etihad Airways Careers UAE in 2025, including recruitment programs, job requirements, benefits, hiring process, and tips to get selected.
✈️ About Etihad Airways: UAE’s Flag Carrier and Global Leader
Founded in 2003, Etihad Airways is the national airline of the UAE and part of the broader Etihad Aviation Group. Over the last two decades, Etihad has evolved from a regional carrier into one of the world’s leading airlines, recognized for its luxurious service, advanced fleets, and a global network that connects Abu Dhabi to over 80 destinations worldwide. AP News+1
🌍 Mission & Vision
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Connect the world through personal, comfortable, and sustainable travel.
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Build a workforce capable of supporting rapid growth, new routes, and high standards.
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Contribute to the UAE’s vision of becoming a global aviation hub by 2030.
🛫 Journey and Growth
From flying to 64 destinations in 2022 to 83 destinations in 2025 — with 100+ destinations planned by 2026 — Etihad is expanding at an impressive pace. This rapid growth translates into a vast number of new job opportunities across multiple departments. Reddit
🚀 Etihad Airways Careers: Fast Growth, Big Opportunities
Etihad’s ambitious expansion strategy includes hiring thousands of new employees. The airline plans to double its workforce from 12,000 to 24,000 by 2030, creating around 2,000 new jobs annually. Among these, 1,500 new positions are expected every year, covering roles such as pilots, cabin crew, engineers, ground staff, and corporate executives. Reddit
Some of the areas where Etihad is actively hiring:
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Cabin Crew
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Pilots (Cadet & Experienced)
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Engineers & Aircraft Technicians
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Airport Operations & Ground Handling
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Customer Service
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Cargo & Logistics
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Corporate Roles (Marketing, Finance, IT, Procurement & Legal)
🧑✈️ Key Career Pathways and Recruitment Programs
1. Cabin Crew Jobs
As one of Etihad’s most sought-after positions, cabin crew roles are available globally. Responsibilities include ensuring passenger safety, delivering world-class service, and representing the airline as a brand ambassador.
Minimum Requirements:
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Aged 21 or above.
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Minimum height: 160 cm.
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Fluent in English (Arabic or additional languages are an advantage).
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High school diploma or equivalent.
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Excellent interpersonal skills.
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Physically fit and able to perform safety duties.
Benefits:
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Average salary: AED 9,000 – 12,000/month (plus allowances).
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Accommodation or housing allowance.
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Medical insurance and family coverage.
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Global travel benefits for you and your family.
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Opportunities for career progression into senior cabin crew or training roles. ECP.AE
2. Cadet Pilot Programme
The Cadet Pilot Programme is designed for passionate individuals who dream of becoming professional pilots.
Program Overview:
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Two-year structured training combining classroom instruction and hands-on flight experience.
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Training conducted in both Abu Dhabi and Spain.
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Includes GCAA licencing, simulator training, and flight experience.
Requirements:
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Minimum age: 18.
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Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
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Strong English communication skills.
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High aptitude for aviation and strong analytical skills.
Career Progression:
Graduates will be placed as Second Officers and have a clear path towards becoming First Officers and Captains.
3. Cadet Technician Programme
The Cadet Technician Programme trains future aircraft maintenance experts and engineers, preparing participants for GCAA Category A certification.
Program Highlights:
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Combination of practical onsite training, technical coursework, and GCAA examinations.
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Training in modern MRO facilities, including aircraft recovery, engine troubleshooting, and base maintenance.
Benefits:
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Competitive stipend during training.
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Guaranteed job placement after certification.
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Career growth into senior engineering roles.
4. Airport Management & Ground Operations
Perfect for people who want to be part of airport operations, passenger services, and ground handling, this area is crucial for day-to-day airline management.
Roles Include:
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Airport Operations Supervisor
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Baggage Handling Specialist
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Ground Services Coordinator
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Passenger Services Agent
Requirements:
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High school diploma or higher.
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Customer service experience preferred.
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Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Career Growth: Many ground operations staff climb the ladder into Airport Manager or Operations Lead roles with experience.
5. Cargo & Logistics Careers
Etihad Cargo is among the fastest-growing divisions. With cross-border partnerships and expansions, careers in logistics and cargo operations are in high demand.
Typical Roles:
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Cargo Coordinator
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Logistic Development Associate
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Cargo Operations Supervisor
Programs: The Logistics Development Program offers structured training, job rotation, and eventual placement as cargo managers.
6. Corporate & Support Functions
Etihad also offers exciting opportunities behind the scenes. These roles maintain the airline’s day-to-day operations and include marketing, finance, procurement, legal, IT, and HR.
Corporate Careers:
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Marketing Executive
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HR and Procurement Officer
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Data Analyst / Business Intelligence
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Finance & Accounting Specialist
✨ Benefits of Working at Etihad Airways
Etihad is one of the most attractive employers in the region due to its competitive benefits package and career development support.
Key Benefits Include:
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🇦🇪 Tax-Free Salary: Competitive monthly pay depending on role.
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✈️ Travel Benefits: Free or discounted flights for employees and families.
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🏡 Accommodation or Housing Allowance: Provided for most roles.
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🏥 Medical & Life Insurance: Full coverage for employees and dependents.
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📅 Annual Leave & Holiday Allowances
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🧳 Relocation Support: Visa and housing assistance for international candidates.
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🎓 Training & Development: Free training, certifications, and pathway programs.
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📈 Clear Career Progression: Opportunities for rapid advancement.
🛫 The Recruitment and Hiring Process
It’s important to understand the typical hiring process if you want to stand a chance at being selected.
Step 1: Online Application
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Register and submit your CV via the official Etihad careers portal: careers.etihad.com.
Step 2: Initial Screening
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Recruiters review CVs for educational qualifications, experience, and English fluency.
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Shortlisted candidates may receive an invitation for a video assessment.
Step 3: Online Assessment
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This is usually a short video introduction or aptitude test.
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Performance at this stage determines whether you proceed to interviews.
Step 4: Interviews and Tests
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Face-to-face interviews may include HR, technical, and English proficiency testing.
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Candidates for pilot and cabin crew positions may undergo additional assessments and medical checks.
Step 5: Training & Onboarding
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Once selected, candidates undergo training programs specific to their roles.
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Graduates of cadet schemes are assigned roles such as Second Officer, Technician, or Passenger Agent.
⏱ Time Frame:
Hiring for cabin crew and flight crew may take 4–12 months due to high application volumes. Corporate roles often follow a shorter timeline of 2–6 months. Reddit
🏆 Tips to Stand Out in Your Etihad Application
To improve your chances of selection:
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✅ Customize Your CV to emphasize relevant skills and industry-specific experience.
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🧑✈️ If applying for flight roles, highlight gender-neutral uniforms, grooming standards, and international mindset.
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📜 Highlight certifications or training relevant to aviation.
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🎤 Be prepared to answer situational and behavioral questions during video interviews.
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🌐 Include details of relevant customer service, language proficiency, and adaptability.
📈 Future Growth and Workforce Expansion
Etihad is gearing up for massive growth:
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Plans to hire 300 Emirati pilots and 1,500 cabin crew annually until 2030.
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Workforce expected to reach 24,000 employees by 2030.
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Route network expanding rapidly — 20+ new destinations by 2026. Reddit+1
🛬 Life at Etihad: Where Work Meets Wanderlust
Working at Etihad is more than employment — it’s a lifestyle. Employees enjoy multicultural interactions, global travel benefits, and a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and growth.
From Cairo to Hanoi, Johannesburg to Tokyo, Etihad offers professionals not just jobs but memorable career journeys that extend far beyond the UAE.
✈️ Where It’s Headed
The future looks bright for Etihad Airways and those who grow with it. With profitability on the rise, fleet expansion continuing, and a potential IPO on the horizon, joining Etihad now means building a career at the forefront of the global aviation industry.
✈️ Final Thoughts
If you dream of soaring into a rewarding career in aviation, Etihad Airways Careers UAE is where your journey begins. With hundreds of roles open across flight operations, engineering, ground services, logistics, and corporate functions, there’s space for people from every background to grow and thrive.
Whether you’re an aspiring pilot ready to take off, a cabin crew member passionate about hospitality, a technician dedicated to safety, or a corporate leader aiming to shape the future of aviation — Etihad offers limitless opportunities.
