Job alert: Etihad to hire up to 3,000 staff annually as fleet expands
Recruitment targets aligned with fleet growth of 20 aircraft yearly
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways is set to continue large-scale recruitment over the next five years, aiming to hire between 2,500 and 3,000 employees annually as the airline grows its fleet by around 20 aircraft each year.
The announcement follows a record year in 2025, when Etihad added more than 3,200 new staff and promoted approximately 2,200 employees across its operations, supporting the airline’s network and fleet expansion.
Workforce growth
Frontline roles remain a priority, with around 1,600 cabin crew and nearly 400 pilots joining in 2025. The airline also promoted around 1,500 cabin crew and 150 pilots, strengthening leadership and operational stability.
Etihad’s workforce now represents 152 nationalities, highlighting the airline’s diverse global footprint. UAE National talent remains a key focus, with cadet pilot programmes and leadership initiatives forming part of its ongoing development strategy.
Fleet expansion
The hiring plans are closely aligned with fleet growth. The airline added 29 aircraft in 2025, increasing its fleet to 127 – the largest in its history.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said the airline plans to continue adding around 20 aircraft per year over the next five years, maintaining a similar ratio of staff recruitment to fleet growth.
Long-term strategy
Major aircraft orders announced in May and November 2025 are expected to underpin the next phase of expansion, providing flexibility for network growth and product development.
The airline emphasised that large-scale recruitment will support its operational resilience, service quality and sustained growth across passenger and cargo businesses.