Etihad Airways Launches Registration for UAE National Cadet Pilot Program

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Etihad Airways has announced the relaunch of its esteemed Cadet Pilot Programme 2025, inviting UAE nationals to embark on a promising career in aviation. This initiative underscores Etihad's ongoing commitment to attracting and nurturing Emirati talent while fostering a skilled workforce to support the future growth of the UAE's aviation industry.

As part of the event, the airline celebrated the graduation of 70 cadet pilots who successfully completed the previous iteration of the programme. His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways, remarked on the significance of these graduates, stating, “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, to connect Abu Dhabi with the world.”

During the ceremony, Etihad signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) aimed at fostering collaboration to develop national talent within Abu Dhabi's aviation sector. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s CEO, highlighted the importance of the relaunched Cadet Pilot Training programme as critical to Etihad’s ambitious growth plans, which include doubling the size of the airline’s network and fleet by 2030. “By doing this, we need a pipeline of home-grown talent,” Neves noted.

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The MoU, signed by His Excellency Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, and Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad, aims to enhance customer engagement and foster collaboration in developing a national calibre of talent. This partnership will focus on initiatives to attract, train, and cultivate national talent through lectures, workshops, and specialized training programs.

Dr. Bastaki expressed excitement about the opportunities the Cadet Pilot Programme provides for Emiratis aspiring to join the national carrier. “By empowering Emirati pilots, we not only strengthen the aviation industry but also cultivate a legacy of excellence that uplifts the nation,” she stated.

The Cadet Pilot Programme is designed to meet the highest training standards, employing the latest aircraft models, simulators, and training technologies. Cadet pilots will benefit from operating one of the youngest fleets in the industry and will train at state-of-the-art facilities.

Through the MoU with the DMT, Etihad aims to continue empowering future generations by offering comprehensive training, qualifications, and opportunities for innovation within the aviation sector. This initiative reflects Abu Dhabi Mobility’s recognition of the importance of investing in human capital to meet future demands.

His Excellency Al Marzouqi emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This agreement is a true investment in the future of young Emirati men and women. Building a national workforce in the aviation sector is not a temporary goal but a fundamental part of a long-term vision.”

The Cadet Pilot Programme is open to UAE Nationals aged 18 to 29, requiring candidates to possess a strong command of English, a high school diploma or higher, a minimum IELTS score of 5.5, and completion or exemption from UAE National Service for male candidates. Registration for the programme is open from October 8, 2024, at careers.etihad.com.

Conducted at the award-winning Etihad Training Academy in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, the two-year programme offers a blend of theoretical and practical training, including full flight simulator sessions. Candidates must pass a series of assessments, including English, Mathematics, Physics, and psychometric evaluations, along with a medical examination required by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

Since its inception in June 2007, the Cadet Pilot Programme has successfully graduated nearly 400 Emirati men and women, with many now serving as Captains, First Officers, and Second Officers. Notably, Captain Aisha Al Mansoori made history as the first female Emirati Captain in a commercial airline, exemplifying the success of the programme and its contribution to the UAE’s aviation legacy