Etihad Airways Will Recruit Hundreds Of Pilots: Get Tax Free Salaries To Housing And Children's School Allowances

Pilot Etihad Airways. (Source: Etihad Airways)

JAKARTA - Airline Etihad Airways will start international roadshows to recruit hundreds of pilots over the next 18 months, as part of a plan to expand its route network and double its fleet by 2030.

The airline, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), will recruit 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 last month.

It is planned that Etihad will look for pilots of all levels that can operate aircraft from the entire Etihad fleet, including Airbus A320, A350, and A380, as well as cargo planes Boeing 777, 787, and 777.

"We appreciate that pilots choose which airlines will be selected during their careers, and therefore we want to highlight not only the opportunities for development and career progress offered at Etihad, but also the fantastic homes and lifestyles Abu Dhabi provides," said Chief Operations and Guest Officer John Wright, quoted from The National News July 1.

In March, Etihad chief executive Antonoaldo Neves told The National the airline plans to employ between 1,500 to 2,000 pilots, cabin crew, mechanics, and technicians this year to drive its expansion.

"In the second half of this year, we will recruit to prepare for 2025," he said at the time.

This is in line with Etihad's plan to double the number of passengers to 33 million and double its fleet to 150 by the end of the decade.

The airline is also preparing to list its first first shares for the big Gulf airline as part of its growth plan.

Pilots will have an "extraordinary growth opportunity" if they choose to join the airline now, Etihad said in a statement.

"This growth completion will offer significant promotional opportunities and career progress for pilots, making Etihad a very attractive employer for ambitious pilots who want to build a solid career," the airline said.

Etihad asked pilots to register their interest by attending a roadshow or registering for more information on his website. The roadshow will start on June 29 in Larnaca, Cyprus, with sessions taking place in Europe's capital Sofia, Tirana, Bucharest, Budapest, Warsaw and Vilnius until July 13, he said.

If accepted, the pilots will receive tax-free salaries, health and life insurance, housing allowances, school allowances (if they have children), relocation allowances and stay at hotels during the first month, until they find permanent accommodation.

After they start work, the pilots receive additional flight allowances for each hour they fly, as well as stopping benefits to cover their meal and expenses while they are abroad. Pilots also get discount tickets for themselves, family, and friends.

It is known that Pilots of Etihad flew to more than 70 destinations in Australia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

Most recently, Etihad started flights to Bali, Jaipur and Al Qassim. The airline also started services to seasonal destinations including the islands of Mykonos and Santorini in Greece, Nice in French Riviera, Malaga in Spain and Antalya in Turkey.