Etihad recruits airberlin pilots
Etihad Airways has announced the recruitment of more than 50 pilots from its partner airline, airberlin.
The pilot transfers began in April 2013, when the first batch of six Boeing 737-rated first officers arrived in Abu Dhabi to start training for the B777. Upon completion of the programme, the pilots will undertake line training on the Etihad’s flights before being fully licensed as B777 first officers.
Further pilot transfers will take place in the coming months, comprising Airbus A320 captains, A320 first officers, A330 first officers and B777 first officers.
“This development is part of the broader process to strengthen our alliance with equity group partners. With airberlin we are already sharing resources, integrating our fleet programmes, aligning our well-experienced personnel, and developing careers,” said James Hogan, Etihad’s president & CEO.
Etihad is planning to expand its fleet significantly over the coming years, with outstanding orders for more than 90 new aircraft – more than doubling its current fleet of 77 jets. As a result, Etihad plans to recruit 1,000 more pilots by 2020.