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Application with documents
Etihad Cadet Pilot Programme: requirements, stages and how to prepare
The Etihad Cadet Pilot Programme is a two-year structured training programme for UAE nationals, graduating as a Second Officer with Etihad Airways. You must be a UAE National aged 18 to 29, at least 160 cm tall, with a high school diploma at an overall 80% including passing maths and physics grades or a higher education qualification, and IELTS 5.5 or EmSAT English 1250. Cadets receive an AED 5,000 monthly salary during the first two years of training, rising in steps. All facts checked 25 October 2026.12
The Etihad UAE Nationals careers page lists the Cadet Pilot Programme with an Apply now link, and the SmartRecruiters posting announces the opening of applications for the UAE National Cadet Pilot Programme. Checked 25 October 2026.1
- Programme Overview
- The Cadet Pilot Programme is a structured two-year training program designed to help candidates obtain necessary flight qualifications and begin a flying career with Etihad.1
- Training Locations
- Training involves ground school within the UAE and overseas, along with flight simulations and practical flying training.1
- Instructor Support
- Candidates receive mentoring and support from highly experienced instructor pilots throughout the training journey.1
- Safety Focus
- Etihad follows a 'Safety First, Always' approach, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory requirements.1
- Initial Salary
- Successful candidates receive a monthly salary of AED 5,000 during the first two years of training.1
- Post-LST Salary
- Upon completing the License Skill Test (LST), the salary rises to AED 16,667 plus variable allowances for six months.1
- Post-Line Training Salary
- After completing line training under supervision (LFUS), the salary increases to AED 24,000 plus variable allowances.1
- Salary Cap
- Step increments over four years are capped at AED 34,000 per month.1
- Senior First Officer Salary
- Upon obtaining the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and required flying hours, you are promoted to Senior First Officer earning AED 39,853 monthly.1
- Graduate Role
- Participants learn to fly and graduate as a Second Officer with Etihad Airways.2
- Interviews
- Etihad says interviews are conducted face-to-face or via video or telephone before any formal offer is made.1
About Etihad Airways
Based in the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways is a full-service and cargo airline. Its airline codes are EY (IATA) and ETD (ICAO). Pilots at Etihad Airways fly types such as the Airbus A320-200, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321-200, Airbus A321neo, Airbus A321LR and 6 other types. The operation is built around Zayed International, Abu Dhabi (AUH).
Its cadet route is the UAE National Cadet Pilot Programme. The programme lists Etihad Aviation Training as its partner. As of 10 October 2026, the programme was listed as open for applications. Etihad Airways also recruits licensed pilots as direct-entry first officers and captains. The careers portal for pilots is linked in the profile on this page. The requirements section on this page covers age, education and language. Right now 6 pilot positions at Etihad Airways are listed on PilotinQ. The selection is described stage by stage on this page.
The selection phase
Where to train for Etihad Airways
One flight school has a published link with this airline. Each entry says what the link is and who states it.
Etihad Aviation TrainingAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates · UAE National Cadet Pilot ProgrammeAirline's own academyNamed by the airline and the school
Etihad Airways at a glance
- IATA / ICAO
- EY / ETD3
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Hubs
- Zayed International (Abu Dhabi) (AUH)3
- Fleet
- Airbus A320-200, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321-200, Airbus A321neo, Airbus A321LR, Airbus A350-1000, Airbus A380-800, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, Boeing 777F4
- Cadet programme
- UAE National Cadet Pilot Programme (open as of 10 Oct 2026)18
- Direct entry
- First officers, Captains7
SALARYFirst officer (narrowbody and widebody vacancies): up to AED 513,732 a year (package incl. basic, 2026-10)Captain (narrowbody and widebody vacancies): up to AED 674,029 a year (package incl. basic, 2026-10)Cadet (UAE nationals), after line training: AED 24,000 a month, capped at AED 34,000 (salary plus variable allowances, 2026-05)Etihad Airways pilot salary
What does Etihad Airways ask of pilots?
- Nationality Requirement
- You must be a UAE National to apply for this programme.1
- Age Requirement
- Applicants must be aged between 18 and 29 years old.1
- Height Requirement
- A minimum height of 160cm is required for all candidates.1
- Education Requirement
- You need a High school diploma with an overall minimum grade of 80%, including passing grades in Mathematics and Physics, or a Higher education qualification such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.1
- English Proficiency
- A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or a Minimum EmSAT English score of 1250 is required.1
- Soft Skills
- Candidates must demonstrate a passion for aviation, possess a strong command of written and spoken English, and show commitment to continuous learning.1
- Documents to upload
- You upload a detailed CV, your high school certificate showing passing grades in maths and physics (or higher education certification such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree), an English proficiency document (IELTS or EmSAT) and your National Service Completion Certification; applications that do not include these documents are not considered.1
- National service
- Male applicants must have completed, or hold a permanent exemption from, UAE National Service at the time of application.1
Interview
The Etihad posting lists these requirements for UAE national candidates: a passion for aviation, to be committed to continuous learning and development and to have a strong command of written and spoken English. Its training stresses a Safety First, Always approach, standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.
Choose two or three real examples from school, sport, family life or volunteering that show curiosity, discipline and learning from feedback, and practise telling each in under two minutes.
Prepare a specific answer on why you want to fly with Etihad, the UAE’s national carrier, and how you will contribute to its Journey 2030 ambition to develop future leaders among Emirati talent.1
What you can practise here
Start with the paperwork: your high school certificate or degree, your IELTS or EmSAT result, your National Service Completion Certification if you are male, and a detailed CV.
Then keep your English strong in speaking and writing, refresh school maths and physics, and write down why you want to fly with Etihad.
Applications without the listed documents are not considered.
Questions candidates ask
How much is paid during the pilot training?
Successful candidates receive an AED 5,000 monthly salary during their first two years of training. After completing the License Skill Test, the salary rises to AED 16,667 plus variable allowances. This increases further after line training under supervision.
What are the age requirements for applicants?
You must be aged between 18 and 29 years old to apply.
Is there a minimum height requirement?
Applicants must have a minimum height of 160cm. This physical criterion is part of the selection criteria for UAE Nationals.
What academic qualifications are needed?
You need a High school diploma with an overall minimum grade of 80%, including passing grades in Mathematics and Physics. Alternatively, a Higher education qualification such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is accepted. Submitting these certificates is mandatory for consideration.
What English proficiency scores are required?
You must have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5. Alternatively, a Minimum EmSAT English score of 1250 is acceptable. An English proficiency document is required to support your application.
Do male applicants need National Service completion?
Male applicants must have completed or have a permanent exemption from UAE National Service at the time of application. You upload your National Service Completion Certification with your documents, and applications without the listed documents will not be considered.
How long is the training programme?
The programme requires a commitment to a structured two-year training program. This includes ground school, flight simulations, and practical flying training. You graduate as a Second Officer upon completion.
Where does the training take place?
Training involves participating in ground school within the UAE and overseas. Practical flying training is also a key component of the curriculum.
What documents must I upload to apply?
You must upload a detailed CV, high school certificate, English proficiency document, and National Service Completion Certification. Applications that do not include these specific documents will not be considered.
Who can apply for this programme?
This opportunity is exclusively for UAE Nationals. Candidates must demonstrate a passion for aviation and a strong command of written and spoken English. Etihad also lists a commitment to continuous learning and development among its requirements.12
- 1Cadet Pilot Programme, Etihad Airways job posting on SmartRecruiters
- 2UAE Nationals, Etihad Careers
- 3Wikipedia: Etihad Airways · accessed 11 Oct 2026
- 4Wikipedia: Etihad Airways fleet · accessed 11 Oct 2026
- 5Etihad Careers · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 6Pilots | Etihad Careers · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 7Etihad Airways pilot vacancies | SmartRecruiters · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 8Cadet Program | Etihad Aviation Training · accessed 10 Oct 2026
