Abu Dhabi, UAE - Etihad Airways has unveiled the relaunch of its renowned Cadet Pilot Programme 2025 which is open for ambitious UAE nationals looking to embark on a career in the exciting aviation industry. The programme, which opens to new candidates today, cements Etihad’s commitment to attracting and nurturing Emirati employees, while creating a pipeline of talent to empower the UAE’s aviation industry into the future.
On Monday, Etihad celebrated the graduation of 70 cadet pilots who have already successfully completed Etihad’s pioneering cadet pilot programme.
At the event, Etihad also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport to collaborate on Abu Dhabi’s strategic approach to building a talent pipeline for the aviation sector.
His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, in his roles as Chairman of both Etihad Airways and the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said: “Each of the pilots who have graduated through Etihad’s Cadet Pilot programme has a personal story of hard work, dedication and passion for flying; yet they also form part of a much larger vision. They play an invaluable role in helping to realise the dream of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His dream was to connect Abu Dhabi with the world and to bring the world to us. As Etihad pilots and Emiratis, they are at the forefront of realising this dream, and play a key role in the evolving success story of Abu Dhabi.”
The strategic partnership signed at the ceremony by His Excellency Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre and Etihad’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer Dr Nadia Bastaki, aims to develop national talent and improve customer engagement by fostering collaboration and exchanging information. It highlights the commitment of both entities to support Abu Dhabi's position as a leading hub for aviation excellence.
The agreement outlines key areas of cooperation, including initiatives to attract, train, and develop national talent, and the exchange of expertise through lectures, workshops, and specialised programmes.
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, underscored the importance of Etihad’s relaunched Cadet Pilot Training programme to Etihad’s ambitious growth journey. He said: “Our Cadet Pilot Programme is critical to ensuring that Emiratis are at the forefront of our ambitions and growth plans. By 2030, we plan to double the size of our network and fleet and triple the number of passengers we carry, and to do this, we need a pipeline of home-grown talent. We are honoured to give flight to ambitious Emiratis looking to build their careers with the UAE’s proud flag carrier.”
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways said: “We are excited to open the UAE National Cadet Pilot programme to give opportunity to ambitious Emiratis who aspire to work for the national carrier of their country. We are investing in the recruitment of Emirati pilots to nurture the potential of our nation's talent, and by empowering Emirati pilots, we not only strengthen the aviation industry but also cultivate a legacy of excellence that uplifts the nation.”
The Cadet Pilot Programme upholds the highest standards of training, using some of the latest training methods, aircraft models, simulators and technologies. Cadet pilots will have the opportunity to operate one of the youngest fleets in the industry and train in state-of-the-art facilities, setting the stage for a successful aviation career.
Through the MoU signed between Etihad Airways and the Department of Municipalities and Transport, represented by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), efforts continue to empower future generations, not only by providing training and qualifications but also by offering opportunities that allow them to innovate and contribute to the development of a world-class aviation system. This comes in light of Abu Dhabi Mobility’s recognition of the importance of investing in human capital, as this agreement will enable collaboration with Etihad Airways to ensure knowledge transfer, exchange best practices, and enhance the skills of the national workforce to meet future demands and confidently tackle its challenges.
In this context, His Excellency Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said, "This partnership opens opportunities for developing national talent in the aviation sector, in line with the great ambitions we aim to achieve in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi." H.E. Al Marzouqi stressed that this agreement is a true investment in the future of our young Emirati men and women, as building a national workforce in the aviation sector is not a temporary goal but a fundamental part of a long-term vision to enhance the nation’s capabilities and ensure a sustainable future for this vital sector.
Etihad’s Cadet Pilot Programme is open to UAE nationals, both male and female, aged between 18 and 29. Candidates must have a strong command of written and spoken English, a high school diploma or higher, a minimum IELTS score of 5.5, and male candidates should have completed or be exempt from their UAE National Service. Registration for the programme is open at careers.etihad.com.
The two-year programme will be conducted at the award-winning Etihad Training Academy, located in Khalifa City A in Abu Dhabi, inclusive of a six-month secondment to Spain. Courses are compliant with aviation regulations and encompass a blend of theoretical and practical training, including full flight simulator sessions. During the application process, candidates must pass a series of assessments including English, Mathematics and Physics, as well as psychometric evaluations. They will also undergo a medical examination, required by the GCAA, the regulatory body of civil aviation in the UAE.
The Cadet Pilot Programme underscores Etihad’s commitment to investing in the development of Emirati talent, building a skilled workforce in the UAE and driving the aviation sector forward.
It boasts a record of achievements since its inception in June 2007. Almost 400 Emirati men and women have successfully graduated from the programme and started their flying careers. Of these, 48 have been promoted to the rank of Captain, 237 are now flying as First Officers and 25 as Second Officers.
The programme has given wings to pioneers such as Captain Aisha Al Mansoori who went on to become the first female Emirati Captain in a commercial airline, making history in the UAE.
Candidates interested in the UAE National Cadet Pilot Programme can visit careers.etihad.com to find out more and apply.
