In a bold move marking its commitment to growth and talent development, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has announced plans to hire up to 2,000 pilots, cabin crew, and mechanics in the upcoming year. This recruitment drive is part of the airline’s strategy to prepare for a significant expansion in 2025, including the addition of 15 new planes to its fleet.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed the airline’s ambitious goals, “We’re gearing up for a transformative phase. The addition of 15 aircraft by 2025 necessitates a substantial increase in our workforce. We’re anticipating the hiring of 1,500 to 2,000 professionals this year alone, focusing on pilots, mechanics, and flight attendants. The second half of this year will be dedicated to rigorous training, ensuring our new team members are ready for the challenges of 2025.”
This expansion comes on the heels of a robust performance in 2023, with Etihad witnessing a remarkable increase in passenger load factor from 82% in 2022 to 86% in 2023. The airline reported a revenue of Dh20.3 billion and a net profit of Dh525 million for 2023, driven by a significant growth in passenger revenue.
Highlighting the demand for more aircraft, Neves added, “The current shortage of planes in the market is challenging, yet it presents an opportunity. We’ve seen load factors as high as 92% in March. Our goal is clear – to facilitate more people flying by expanding our fleet.”
Etihad’s vision extends beyond fleet expansion. The airline aims to triple its passenger numbers from 10 million in 2022 to over 30 million by 2030. “Our journey ahead is exciting. We are on the path to potentially tripling our size and catering to 30 to 33 million passengers in the next six years,” Neves elaborated.
A key component of Etihad’s strategy is its commitment to Emiratisation. The airline is actively focusing on developing Emirati talents through specialized development programmes, including cadet pilot and technical engineering training.
“We are deeply invested in Emiratisation. Our goal is to have at least one-third of our pilots as Emiratis, as they represent our nation’s pride globally. We are on track to achieving 35 to 40 percent Emirati pilots in the coming years. Currently, we aim for 70 to 100 Emirati pilots annually from our 300 new pilots per year,” Neves explained.
Etihad Airways’ comprehensive plan reflects a dual commitment to significant growth and the nurturing of local talent, positioning the airline as a forward-thinking player in the global aviation industry. With its ambitious hiring plans and focus on developing Emirati professionals, Etihad is poised to redefine the aviation landscape in the years to come.
