Etihad Airways Plans Major Hiring as Fleet Expands

Feb 24, 2026

60 min

Feb 24, 2026 08:31

Etihad to hire up to 3,000 staff a year as fleet grows by 20 aircraft annually

## Recruitment Plans

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is set to hire between 2,500 and 3,000 new employees annually over the next five years. This recruitment drive aligns with the airline's strategy to expand its fleet by approximately 20 aircraft each year.

In 2025, Etihad added 3,200 new staff members and promoted 2,200 existing employees. The airline's CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, confirmed that this hiring pace will continue, supporting both network and fleet growth.

## Focus on Frontline Roles

Frontline positions, including cabin crew and pilots, remain a priority for Etihad. Last year, the airline recruited around 1,600 cabin crew and nearly 400 pilots. Additionally, there were significant internal promotions, with 1,500 cabin crew and 150 pilots advancing to higher roles.

Etihad's workforce is notably diverse, comprising individuals from 152 different nationalities. The airline also emphasizes the development of UAE National talent through specialized programs.

## Fleet Expansion

Etihad's fleet grew by 29 aircraft in 2025, reaching a total of 127, marking the largest fleet in its history. The airline plans to continue this growth trajectory, receiving around 20 new aircraft annually. Recent major aircraft orders will facilitate this expansion, allowing for increased network and product development.

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