Etihad Airways Careers in UAE — Complete Guide to Jobs, Pay How to Apply
Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi’s national carrier, is a top employer in aviation and hospitality. If you’re exploring Etihad Airways careers in the UAE, this guide explains the main job categories, eligibility, benefits, pay components, application steps, and tips to boost your chance of being hired.
Quick summary: Etihad hires for cabin crew, flight deck (pilots), engineering, ground operations and corporate roles. Competitive salaries, travel benefits, training and global exposure are common advantages for employees based in Abu Dhabi.
Why choose a career at Etihad?
- Reputation: Internationally respected airline with premium service standards.
- Career variety: Roles in operations, technical, flight crew and corporate functions.
- Training progression: Structured training programs and clear promotion paths.
- Employee perks: Flight discounts, medical coverage, allowances and leave benefits.
- Multicultural workplace: Teams from many nationalities and an inclusive environment.
Common job categories (overview)
| Job Category | Main Responsibilities | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Crew | Passenger safety, inflight service, hospitality | Min. age 21, school diploma, reach 210 cm on tiptoes, English fluent |
| Pilots | Operate aircraft, flight safety, crew leadership | Valid ATPL (or CPL for some roles), required flight hours, type ratings |
| Engineering Maintenance | Aircraft maintenance, troubleshooting, certification | Engineering degree or AME license, MRO experience |
| Ground Operations | Check-in, baggage handling, boarding and passenger assistance | Organizational skills, customer service experience preferred |
| Corporate (Finance, IT, HR, Marketing) | Business support, planning, analytics, policy | Relevant degree, professional experience |
What Etihad looks for — skills attributes
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Teamwork and cultural awareness
- Customer-first mindset and problem-solving ability
- Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and public holidays
- Safety awareness and professionalism
Salary benefits (what to expect)
Packages vary by role and experience. Typical components include:
- Basic salary — role-dependent and tax treatment varies by nationality
- Housing or housing allowance
- Transport allowance or company shuttle
- Comprehensive medical insurance for employee and dependents
- Annual leave and staff travel benefits — discounted or complimentary tickets
- Learning development — internal courses, type ratings, workshops
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Go to the official Etihad careers page and select vacancies in the UAE.
- Create or sign in to your online profile and upload an up‑to‑date CV/resume.
- Choose the role that matches your skills and tailor your application to the job description.
- Submit supporting documents (certificates, licences, passport) as requested.
- Monitor your application status via the portal — shortlisted candidates are contacted for assessments/interviews.
Interview / selection tips
- Research Etihad’s fleet, routes and recent initiatives.
- Present a neat, professional appearance for video or in-person interviews.
- Show enthusiasm for service and an ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Prepare examples demonstrating teamwork, safety-focus, and customer care.
Career development & internal mobility
Etihad supports career moves across departments. Typical progression examples:
- Cabin crew → Senior crew / Purser → Inflight trainer or management
- Pilot (FO) → Senior FO → Captain → Training captain
- Engineers → Lead technician → Quality / maintenance management
- Corporate staff → Senior specialist → Managerial roles
Frequently asked questions
Do I need UAE residence to apply?
No — international applicants are accepted. If hired, Etihad typically arranges work visa and Emirates ID for employees based in the UAE.
What languages are required?
English is essential for most roles. Additional language skills (Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin, etc.) are a strong advantage for customer-facing positions.