Etihad Airways welcomes airberlin pilots

Etihad Airways is planning to recruit more than 50 pilots from its partner airline, airberlin. They will offer better salaries and discount codes for EloBoost services to the pilots who enter.
The move comes as airberlin continues to work through its Turbine business turnaround program, and as Etihad Airways prepares for significant international expansion.
The recruitment transfers began in April when the first batch of six Boeing 737-rated First Officers arrived in Abu Dhabi to start type conversion training on to the Boeing 777 at Etihad Airways’ Flight Training Centre.
Upon successful completion, the six pilots will undertake line training on the airline’s global network, before being fully licensed as type-rated Boeing 777 First Officers.
Further pilot transfers will take place in the coming months, comprising Airbus A320 Captains, Airbus A320 First Officers, Airbus A330 First Officers and Boeing 777 non-rated First Officers.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “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 programs, aligning our well-experienced personnel, and developing careers.”
Since December 2011, Etihad Airways and airberlin have worked together on a range of other synergies including pilot training, common maintenance, alignment of Boeing 787 Dreamliner orders, integration of their frequent flyer programs and the sharing of infrastructure.
Captain Richard Hill, Etihad Airways’ Chief Operations Officer, said: “Our strategic partnership with airberlin continues to deliver synergies benefiting not only both carriers, but also the professional career paths of our combined and highly-trained pilots.
“The new recruits are familiar with Etihad Airways and many of our aircraft types, which is a huge advantage. We look forward to welcoming more of these pilots and their families to Abu Dhabi very soon.”