Etihad Airways has relaunched its renowned Cadet Pilot Programme 2025 which is open for UAE nationals looking to build a career in the aviation industry. The programme is now accepting applications from new candidates, starting October 9, 2024.

On October 7, Etihad celebrated the graduation of 70 cadet pilots who have successfully completed Etihad’s pioneering cadet pilot programme.

At the event, Etihad also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to collaborate on Abu Dhabi’s strategic approach to building a talent pipeline for the aviation sector.

Etihad’s Cadet Pilot Programme is open to UAE nationals, both male and female, aged between 18 and 29. Candidates must have a strong command of written and spoken English, a high school diploma or higher, a minimum IELTS score of 5.5, and male candidates should have completed or be exempt from their UAE National Service.

The two-year programme will be conducted at the award-winning Etihad Training Academy, located in Khalifa City A in Abu Dhabi, inclusive of a six-month secondment to Spain.

Courses are compliant with aviation regulations and encompass a blend of theoretical and practical training, including full flight simulator sessions.

During the application process, candidates must pass a series of assessments including English, mathematics and physics, as well as psychometric evaluations. They will also undergo a medical examination, required by the GCAA, the regulatory body of civil aviation in the UAE.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, in his roles as Chairman of both Etihad Airways and the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said: “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.”

The strategic partnership signed at the ceremony by Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre and Etihad’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer Dr Nadia Bastaki, aims to develop national talent and improve customer engagement by fostering collaboration and exchanging information.

The agreement outlines key areas of cooperation, including initiatives to attract, train, and develop national talent, and the exchange of expertise through lectures, workshops, and specialised programmes.

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our Cadet Pilot Programme is critical to ensuring that Emiratis are at the forefront of our ambitions and growth plans.

“By 2030, we plan to double the size of our network and fleet and triple the number of passengers we carry, and to do this, we need a pipeline of home-grown talent. We are honoured to give flight to ambitious Emiratis looking to build their careers with the UAE’s proud flag carrier.”

Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “We are excited to open the UAE National Cadet Pilot programme to give opportunity to ambitious Emiratis who aspire to work for the national carrier of their country.

“We are investing in the recruitment of Emirati pilots to nurture the potential of our nation's talent, and by empowering Emirati pilots, we not only strengthen the aviation industry but also cultivate a legacy of excellence that uplifts the nation.”

The Cadet Pilot Programme upholds the highest standards of training, using some of the latest training methods, aircraft models, simulators and technologies, a statement said.

Cadet pilots will have the opportunity to operate one of the youngest fleets in the industry and train in state-of-the-art facilities, setting the stage for a successful aviation career, it added.

Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said: "This partnership opens opportunities for developing national talent in the aviation sector, in line with the great ambitions we aim to achieve in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."

The Cadet Pilot Programme boasts a record of achievements since its inception in June 2007. Almost 400 Emirati men and women have successfully graduated from the programme and started their flying careers. Of these, 48 have been promoted to the rank of Captain, 237 are now flying as First Officers and 25 as Second Officers.

The programme has given wings to pioneers such as Captain Aisha Al Mansoori who went on to become the first female Emirati Captain in a commercial airline, making history in the UAE. – TradeArabia News Service