Etihad Airways to hire hundreds of pilots as it seeks to double fleet by 2030

Etihad Airways is set to embark on an international roadshow to hire hundreds of pilots over the next 18 months, as part of plans to expand its route network and double its fleet by 2030. The Abu-Dhabi based airline will take its recruitment drive to eight European countries, including Cyprus, Bulgaria, Albania, Romania, Hungary and Poland, before expanding its search globally in the coming months, Etihad Airways said in a statement on Thursday. It is seeking pilots of all ranks who can operate aircraft from across the Etihad fleet, including the Airbus A320, A350 and A380, as well as the Boeing 777, 787 and 777 freighter. "We appreciate that pilots choose which airline to join for the length of their career, and as such we would like to highlight not only the career development and progression opportunities on offer at Etihad, but also the fantastic home and lifestyle that Abu Dhabi provides," said John Wright, chief operations and guest officer at the airline. In March, Etihad CE Antonoaldo Neves told The National that the airline planned to hire between 1,500 to 2,000 pilots, cabin crew, mechanics and engineers this year to drive its expansion. “In the second half of the year, we're going to be hiring to prepare for 2025,” he said at the time. This comes as Etihad aims to triple passenger numbers to 33m and double its fleet to 150 planes by the end of the decade. The airline is also preparing for a potential listing – a first for a major Gulf airline – as part of its growth plans.<br/>