Etihad enables pilots to fly both A350 and A380 aircraft

Etihad Airways has become one of the first airlines to allow its pilots to fly both the A350 and A380 aircraft interchangeably, something the UAE national carrier describes as ‘another key milestone in pilot training and flight operations’. This permission comes after the Etihad completed a process of rigorous regulatory approvals and thorough pilot training, increasing the versatility of its pilot capabilities. “This achievement will enhance the resilience and flexibility of the airline’s network,” confirmed Mohammad Al Bulooki, chief operating officer at Etihad Airways. Over the past ten years, Etihad has obtained similar approvals to allow its Airbus pilots to interchangeably fly the A320 / A330 and A330 / A340 type pairings. Its Boeing pilots are also able to fly both the 777 and 787 types. This is achieved through the implementation of a special training procedure approved by the aircraft manufacturer and the Civil Aviation Authority, known as ‘mixed fleet flying’ (MFF).