Make the world your home.

It’s an extraordinary time to join Etihad. In 2025 alone we’ve carried over 10 million guests, launched 27 new destinations, and recorded the strongest half-year profit in our history. With more than 20 new aircraft arriving this year and a clear path to double our fleet by 2030, we’re investing heavily in the future and redefining what global aviation looks like.

Just as we push boundaries for our guests through innovation, sustainability, and world-class service, we’re equally committed to providing our pilots with exceptional careers. Abu Dhabi, ranked the world’s safest city in 2025, offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle for you and your family, complemented by tax-free salaries, concessionary travel, comprehensive benefits, and endless opportunities for progression inside and beyond the cockpit.

What we offer

As a Cargo First Officer with Etihad, you’ll receive a competitive, tax-free annual package that recognises both performance and the unique demands of cargo operations. This includes a base salary of AED 216,000 (USD 58,815) per year, monthly productivity pay, variable pay, and an annual incentive of up to AED 16,500 (USD 4,492), based on a 175-day working pattern. Your salary includes performance-based annual increments, complemented by a comprehensive range of benefits:

• • Accidental and life insurance coverage
  • Comprehensive medical insurance
  • Industry-leading staff travel benefits and access to Etihad’s exclusive discounts
  • End-of-service benefits

The Role

As a First Officer with Etihad, you are a key part of the flight deck team, supporting the Captain in ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient operation of every flight. You are expected to demonstrate professionalism, technical skill, and strong teamwork while developing your leadership capability for future command.

• • Assist the Captain in all aspects of flight preparation, navigation, and operation, ensuring compliance with Etihad’s operating procedures and regulatory standards
  • Maintain a continuous and independent check of aircraft position, terrain, and weather to support safe navigation at all times
  • Provide clear communication, advice, and support to the Captain to contribute to safe and efficient decision-making
  • Uphold high standards of discipline, conduct, and personal appearance, representing Etihad professionally in every environment
  • In the event of Captain incapacitation, assume command in accordance with rank and company procedures

To be considered for the role of Freighter First Officer, you must meet either Criteria A or Criteria B, in addition to the General Eligibility criteria below.

Criteria A

• • Minimum 2,500 hours total flying time
  • Minimum 1,500 hours on multi-crew, glass-cockpit aircraft (1)
  • Minimum 1,000 hours on any Boeing aircraft

Criteria B

• • Minimum 3,000 hours total flying time
  • Minimum 2,000 hours on Boeing aircraft

General Eligibility

• • Currently flying on a Boeing aircraft, or have done so within the last 12 months
  • Type rating on a Boeing aircraft valid for at least 2 months at time of joining
  • Unrestricted ATPL or frozen ATPL (2) issued by an ICAO member state
  • Unrestricted, current Class 1 medical certificate
  • Must be under 50 years of age on date of joining
  • English Language Proficiency: Level 4 or above (written and verbal)

(1) Glass Cockpit: Aircraft equipped with a Flight Management System (FMS) coupled to an Automatic Pilot Flight Director System (APFDS).
(2) Frozen ATPL (CPL): Must include results of the ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Exam and an Integrated ATPL Course Completion Certificate.