At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Captain in ensuring safe and efficient flight operations.
- Company: Join Etihad, the world's safest airline with a vibrant lifestyle.
- Benefits: Tax-free salary, generous allowances, and industry-leading travel perks.
- Other info: Relocation support and comprehensive benefits for you and your family.
- Why this job: Be part of a rapidly growing airline with endless career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: 2,000+ flying hours or 1,500+ on A320 family aircraft required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
Make the world your home. It’s an extraordinary time to join Etihad. In 2025 alone we’ve carried over 10 million guests, announced 30+ 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.
Etihad, ranked the world’s safest airline, 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
Etihad provides a competitive, tax-free package designed to reward performance and support your lifestyle in Abu Dhabi. Your annual 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) per year based on 75 flying hours per month. Your salary includes performance-based annual increments, complemented by a comprehensive range of benefits:
- Education allowance of up to AED 40,000 for primary and AED 55,000 for secondary per child, for up to three children
- Income protection scheme
- 42 days of annual leave
- Industry-leading staff travel benefits and access to Etihad's exclusive discounts
- End-of-service benefits
- Accidental and life insurance coverage
- Etihad supports candidates relocating to Abu Dhabi through initiatives such as a shipping container allowance, settling-in support, and family travel benefits from any location in the world
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
What you’ll bring
To be considered for the role of A320 First Officer, you must meet either Criteria A or Criteria B, in addition to the General Eligibility criteria below.
- Criteria A
- Minimum 2,000 hours total flying time
- Minimum 1,500 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit MPA
- Minimum 500 hours on type
- Criteria B
- Minimum 1,500 hours total flying time
- Minimum 1,000 hours on any A320 family aircraft
General Eligibility
- Flown any A320 family aircraft within the last 12 months
- Type rating on A320 valid for at least 2 more months at the time of joining
- Unrestricted ATPL or valid frozen ATPL issued by an ICAO member state
- Unrestricted, current Class 1 medical
- Must not have attained the age of 50 on the day of joining
- English language fluency (written and verbal) - ICAO Level 4 or better
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad's codeshare partners, Etihad's network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. All this ties into Etihad's ambitious Journey 2030 strategy. The airline plans to double its fleet size and triple the number of customers over the next six years as it sets out to be the airline everyone wants to fly!
Recruitment Fraud Alert
Beware of fraudulent job offers from individuals or organizations claiming to represent the Etihad group. We will never ask for personal information, bank details, or payment during the recruitment process. Interviews are conducted face-to-face or via video/telephone before any formal offer. If you are asked for money, please treat it as fraudulent.
First Officer A320 employer: Etihad
Etihad Airways is an exceptional employer, offering pilots a vibrant lifestyle in Abu Dhabi alongside competitive, tax-free salaries and comprehensive benefits. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, we provide unparalleled opportunities for career progression and personal growth, ensuring that our pilots are well-supported both in and out of the cockpit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Officer A320
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with current and former Etihad pilots on LinkedIn or aviation forums. They can give you insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the technical questions! Brush up on your A320 systems and procedures. Being able to discuss your flying experience confidently will show them you’re ready for the cockpit.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! During interviews, share examples of how you’ve worked effectively in a crew environment. Etihad values strong collaboration, so make sure they see that side of you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace First Officer A320
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the First Officer role. Highlight your flying hours, experience with A320 aircraft, and any relevant certifications. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for aviation and why you want to join Etihad. Be sure to mention how your skills can contribute to our mission of providing world-class service.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills:As a First Officer, teamwork is key. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment. We love seeing candidates who can collaborate effectively with others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Etihad family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Etihad
✨Know Your Aircraft
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the A320 and its systems. Be prepared to discuss your flying experience, especially any specific situations you've encountered while flying this aircraft. This shows your technical skill and familiarity with the type, which is crucial for a First Officer role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
As a First Officer, you'll be part of a flight deck team. Highlight your teamwork skills during the interview by sharing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in high-pressure situations. This will show that you can support the Captain effectively and contribute to a safe flying environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Think about past experiences where you had to make quick decisions or handle emergencies. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Professionalism
Etihad values professionalism highly, so ensure you present yourself well. Dress appropriately, maintain good posture, and communicate clearly. Your appearance and demeanour should reflect the high standards expected of an Etihad pilot, as this will leave a lasting impression on the interviewers.
