Etihad Airways. ARCHIVE

Etihad Airways is set to maintain an aggressive hiring drive as it expands its fleet, with plans to recruit between 2,500 and 3,000 employees annually over the next five years. The guidance follows a busy 2025, when the Abu Dhabi-based carrier hired more than 3,200 new staff and promoted around 2,200 employees across the organisation. Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the airline expects the pace of recruitment to remain steady as it grows its aircraft fleet. “We’re going to keep that range, from 2,500 to 3,000 hires per year, and we’re going to keep about 20 aircraft per year, so that’s more or less the ratio that we’re going to be doing for the next five years,” he explained. Frontline roles remained a key priority in 2025. The airline recruited around 1,600 cabin crew and nearly 400 pilots to support its expanding route network. At the same time, Etihad continued to promote from within. About 1,500 cabin crew members and nearly 150 pilots moved up the ranks, strengthening leadership and operational stability. The airline said its workforce now represents 152 nationalities, reflecting its global footprint. It also continues to invest in UAE National talent through cadet pilot programmes and leadership development initiatives. Etihad added 29 aircraft in 2025, bringing its total fleet to 127 aircraft, the largest in the airline’s history. It expects to receive around 20 aircraft each year in the coming years as part of its long-term strategy. Major aircraft orders announced in May and November are expected to support further network expansion and product upgrades. CAM/Expat Media
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