Etihad Airways has unveiled a new programme to attract cadet pilots from across the world to join its expanding flying team.

The new pilot programme, which follows the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s highly successful Emirati cadet pilot programme, has been launched on the Etihad Airways website and has already received more than 350 online applications, said a statement.

Following a comprehensive selection process the first intake of 12 cadet pilots on the new scheme will begin the 18-month training course in June with a second class scheduled to start at the end of 2008.

Richard Hill, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president operations, said: “Etihad Airways continues to expand its fleet of aircraft and destinations and this latest cadet pilot scheme will greatly support our drive to recruit high calibre pilots to the airline.

“There has been a huge response to Etihad’s first advertisements to the cadet pilot programme. Etihad has established itself as one of the world’s leading airlines so it is not surprising that so many potential pilots want to join our ranks.”

The minimum entry age to become a pilot is 18 years old, and in order to open the airline’s cadet pilot programme up to as many applicants as possible, Etihad increased the maximum entry age from 24 to 26 years-old.

Following a rigorous selection process successful candidates will be invited to Abu Dhabi to attend presentations from senior members of Etihad’s flight deck crew, as well as undertaking comprehensive skills and aptitude testing plus security and medical checks.

Following the conclusion of the assessment phases, 12 cadet pilots will join the Horizon training academy in Al Ain in June.

To complete the Etihad pilot programme a cadet has to undertake 930 hours in the classroom and 205 hours flying experience in single and multi-engine aircraft as well as Etihad’s state-of-the-art simulators.

Etihad’s Emirati cadet pilot programme has grown considerably since it was launched in January 2007 and now boasts 45 UAE nationals who are currently training to become fully qualified pilots with the UAE’s national airline.  – TradeArabia News Service