Abu Dhabi’s Etihad to hold cabin crew recruitment days in 19 cities globally

Abu Dhabi airline Etihad Airways is hosting a major recruitment drive globally to hire cabin crew, even as it is reportedly looking to cut pilot jobs.

The carrier, which currently employs over 4,800 cabin crew representing 115 nationalities, said it looking to hire cabin crew to “support its operational growth including the arrival of new, next generation fleet this year”.

The international recruitment days will take place in 19 different cities across Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa throughout the year, the airline announced on Wednesday.

Applicants interested in attending the recruitment days are required to register in advance on the airline’s website.

“In each of these cities we will be inviting up to 120 of the strongest candidates with remarkable hospitality skills to join us at the recruitment days,” said Linda Celestino, Etihad Airways’ VP Guest Service and Delivery.

The airline will also conduct an in-depth assessment process.

Those selected will undergo a training programme in Abu Dhabi, which includes all aspects of cabin safety and service delivery. The training will be conducted at Zayed Campus, the airline’s training academy.

Etihad provides cabin crew with tax-free income, company medical insurance, concessional travel benefits, transport, uniforms, fully furnished company accommodation in Abu Dhabi, and discounts on food and beverage and leisure activities.

The latest announcement comes even as reports emerged recently that Etihad was looking to cut 50 pilot jobs by end of January following a big loss last year.

Etihad has around 160 surplus pilots and will lay off 50 by the end of January, sources told Reuters earlier this month.

The airline, which made around $3.5bn in losses in the previous two years, employs 2,065 pilots, the sources added.

Read more: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad to cut 50 pilots after big loss last year – sources