Etihad Airways will hire between 2,500 and 3,000 employees every year for the next five years. At the same time, the airline will add around 20 aircraft annually as part of its expansion plan.
The move follows strong hiring in 2025. Last year, the airline added more than 3,200 employees. In addition, it promoted about 2,200 staff across different roles.
Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves confirmed that the airline will maintain this pace. He said the hiring plan directly matches aircraft growth. As a result, workforce expansion will move in line with fleet additions.
Fleet Growth Drives Recruitment
Etihad added 29 aircraft in 2025. Consequently, its total fleet rose to 127 aircraft, the largest in its history.
Going forward, the airline expects to receive about 20 aircraft each year. Therefore, it will continue steady recruitment to support new routes, higher flight frequency, and improved service standards.
Major aircraft orders placed earlier will support this long-term strategy. These deliveries will also give the airline flexibility to expand into new markets.
Cabin Crew and Pilots in Focus
Frontline roles remain a priority. In 2025, Etihad hired around 1,600 cabin crew members and nearly 400 pilots.
At the same time, the airline strengthened internal leadership. It promoted about 1,500 cabin crew and nearly 150 pilots. This approach improves stability and builds long-term depth.
Etihad’s workforce now includes employees from 152 nationalities. Moreover, the airline continues to invest in Emirati talent through cadet pilot programmes and leadership training.
A Clear Five-Year Plan
Etihad Airways hiring 3,000 staff annually reflects a clear growth roadmap. Instead of short-term recovery hiring, the airline is building long-term capacity.
As travel demand stays strong, Gulf carriers are shifting from recovery to expansion. In this context, Etihad’s structured hiring plan positions Abu Dhabi as a key aviation hub in the region.
