First Officer (A320) Jobs in Abu Dhabi – Etihad Airways

First Officer jobs in Abu Dhabi are open at Etihad Airways, which is recruiting A320-rated First Officers for its narrowbody fleet based in Abu Dhabi. The airline is growing fast, with new aircraft joining the fleet and an ambition to double the fleet by 2030, and the First Officer role offers a clear pathway to Captain. No closing date is stated on the official posting, so qualified pilots should apply early.

Etihad is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, based at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. As a First Officer you will be part of an airline committed to developing the next generation of aviation leaders, operating one of the world’s youngest and most modern fleets, with a strong safety culture and world-class training. It is a role for current A320 pilots who meet the airline’s hours and recency requirements and want a long-term career with a fast-growing Gulf carrier.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, formed in 2003, with its head office in Abu Dhabi and its home at Zayed International Airport. The airline flies one of the world’s most modern and efficient fleets, operating across six continents and connecting people and cultures every day.

Etihad is advancing its “Journey 2030” ambition to double its fleet and expand its global network, creating opportunities for pilots to grow and fly at the highest level. The airline describes itself as one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, investing in its people, its operations and the future of aviation. For pilots, that growth means new aircraft, new destinations and a structured route from First Officer to Captain.

First Officer (A320): role overview

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.

The role covers the full flying task. You will assist the Captain in all aspects of flight preparation, navigation and operation, ensuring compliance with Etihad’s operating procedures and regulatory standards. You will maintain a continuous and independent check of aircraft position, terrain and weather to support safe navigation at all times, and provide clear communication, advice and support to the Captain to contribute to safe and efficient decision-making. You will uphold high standards of discipline, conduct and personal appearance, representing Etihad professionally in every environment. In the event of Captain incapacitation, you will assume command in accordance with rank and company procedures.

Key responsibilities

The main duties of the role, as stated on the official Etihad posting, are:

• 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.
• Develop leadership capability for future command, as part of the airline’s pathway from First Officer to Captain.

Requirements and qualifications

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. Holders of a frozen ATPL licence (CPL) must present the results of the ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Exam and an integrated ATPL course completion certificate.
• 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.

Glass cockpit means an aircraft with a Flight Management System coupled to an Automatic Flight Director System. Candidates should check every criterion before applying, because the minimums are absolute and the airline will verify logbook totals, licence, type rating and medical certification.

What Etihad offers

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.

All figures above are as stated on the official Etihad posting. The confirmed package will be set out during the recruitment process, before any offer is accepted.

How to apply for the First Officer job in Abu Dhabi

Applications are made through the official Etihad careers portal. Candidates should have their logbook totals, licence, type rating and Class 1 medical scans ready before starting the online form, and should check that they meet either Criteria A or Criteria B together with all of the general eligibility requirements. No closing date is stated on the official posting, so apply early.

Apply here on the official Etihad careers page: First Officer – A320 – Etihad Airways. The airline’s careers portal is also available at careers.etihad.com.

Etihad never asks for personal information, bank details or payment during the recruitment process. Interviews are conducted face-to-face or by video or telephone before any formal offer. If you are asked for money, treat it as fraudulent.

Frequently asked questions

Where is this job based?
Abu Dhabi, UAE, flying from Zayed International Airport with Etihad Airways.

What is the closing date?
No closing date is stated on the official Etihad posting. Apply early, because pilot vacancies can close without notice.

How many hours do I need?
Either Criteria A — 2,000 hours total, 1,500 hours multi-crew glass cockpit, 500 hours on type — or Criteria B — 1,500 hours total with 1,000 hours on any A320 family aircraft — plus the general eligibility criteria.

Is a salary stated?
Yes. The official posting states a potential annual package of up to AED 513,732 (USD 138,318) per year based on 75 flying hours per month, plus the allowances and benefits listed above.