Etihad Airways launches its innovative Employee Cadet Pilot Scholarship program, offering ten staff members fully funded pilot training, with a focus on diversity.

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has launched its Employee Cadet Pilot Scholarship program, awarding fully funded pilot training scholarships to ten employees. Among the recipients, seven are women from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the airline’s commitment to a varied workforce.

Empowering the Next Generation of Pilots

The selected cadets were chosen from within the airline’s diverse team, representing multiple nationalities. This new initiative offers a unique chance for ten current employees to further their careers through a comprehensive, fully-funded two-year cadet program. It aligns with Etihad’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent, building on the success of the UAE National Cadet program initiated last year.

The ten employees chosen for this opportunity currently hold roles across various departments, such as cabin crew and flight dispatch. With a notable 70% of the selected candidates being women, the program showcases Etihad’s dedication to diversity. Over 600 applicants vied for these coveted spots, demonstrating the program’s appeal.

A Thorough Selection Process

Candidates underwent an intensive two-month selection process that tested their proficiency in English, mathematics, physics, and included a pilot aptitude assessment, psychometric evaluations, and medical screenings. Once these steps are completed, the cadets will begin their training.

Etihad aims to produce pilots who meet the airline’s stringent operational and safety standards. Captain Fahad Alseiari, Head of the Cadet Pilot Program, emphasized that the program sets a new benchmark for pilot training, combining rigorous academic learning with hands-on flying experience. The airline’s state-of-the-art aircraft and advanced technologies ensure that cadets acquire the necessary skills to thrive in today’s competitive aviation environment.

The cadets will undergo training both in the UAE and Spain, participating in classroom instruction and flight simulator sessions. This marks Etihad’s inaugural Employee-only Cadet program, offering staff a chance to pursue their dreams of becoming pilots and joining the airline’s flight crew. The announcement of this intake coincided with International Women’s Month, celebrating the airline’s strong commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.

Fostering Growth at Etihad

Etihad Airways has made remarkable strides since its founding 21 years ago, becoming a leading airline in the Middle East. The launch of programs like the UAE National and Employee Cadet initiatives reflects the airline’s dedication to cultivating a sustainable, skilled workforce to drive its continued growth.

Based at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad operates flights to over 90 international destinations across nearly 50 countries. Its fleet, according to ch-aviation, includes 102 aircraft—15 Airbus A320s, 15 A321s, five A350s, 10 A380s, 14 Boeing 777s, and 43 787 Dreamliners.

In 2024, Etihad reported a record profit of $476 million (AED1.7 billion), marking its third consecutive year of profitability. This performance was driven by a 32% rise in passenger traffic, with 18.5 million travelers carried during the year, underscoring the airline’s robust growth and operational success.

The post Etihad Airways Empowers Future Pilots with Groundbreaking Employee Cadet Scholarship Program, Celebrating Diversity and Innovation in Aviation Training appeared first on Travel And Tour World.