Cadet Pilot Programme

Make the world your home

At Etihad, we offer more than just a job. We fuel your ambition, unlocking countless opportunities for growth and success. We’re excited to announce the opening of applications for our UAE National Cadet Pilot Programme. This is an exciting opportunity to join Etihad during a period of growth and transformation, as we look for our next group of future pilots to fly our new and expanding fleet of aircraft.

If you’ve always dreamt of a career as a pilot, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry within the UAE’s national carrier, We provide the training to help you go beyond your own potential, developing the personal and professional capabilities you’ll need to begin a successful flying career with us.

What to expect

You’ll need to commit to a structured two-year training program to obtain the necessary flight qualifications, as well as participating in ground school within the UAE and overseas, flight simulations, and practical flying training. Etihad follows a 'Safety First, Always' approach and has a perfect record in safe flight operations, so this will be a key component of your training, ensuring that you are trained in, and adhere to, safety protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory requirements at all times. You’ll also receive mentoring and support from highly experienced instructor pilots throughout your training journey with us.

Funding and salary

Successful candidates will receive a AED 5,000 monthly salary during their training for the first two years. Upon completing License Skill Test (LST), salary rises to AED 16,667 plus variable allowances for six months.

After completing line training under supervision (LFUS), salary increases to AED 24,000 plus variable allowances. Step increments for four years, capped at AED 34,000 per month.

Upon completing the required flying hours and obtaining the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), you will be promoted to Senior First Officer (SFO) earning a monthly salary of AED 39,853.

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!

To learn more, visit etihad.com