Etihad Airways gives flight to Emirati Ambition | News
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, is introducing an international summer program for its top-performing trainees at the Emirates airport for the first time. The deployment will take place immediately following the establishment phase of the airport and ground operations programs and will provide UAE nationals with the operational challenge, hands-on responsibility and international exposure to build careers within Etihad’s growing global network.
The airport and ground operations programs share a common foundation phase, built around hands-on operational experience at the airline’s award-winning hub, Zayed International Airport, and supplemented by structured classroom learning. During this phase, trainees rotate through key frontline functions including check-in, boarding, transfer services, baggage operations and arrivals, before progressing into supervisory roles at the airport. Participants will also gain insight into network operations and aircraft dispatch, developing a comprehensive understanding of leading global aviation and airport operations.
Following the successful completion of the airport programmes’ establishment phase, an inaugural cohort of seven Emiratis will now begin work in the international summer period, joining teams at some of Etihad’s busiest international stations, including Copenhagen, Paris, Phuket and Kuala Lumpur, which have been chosen for their high passenger volumes during the peak season. There they will apply the knowledge and skills acquired in Abu Dhabi in live operational environments, working with Etihad’s international airport teams during the peak summer travel season.
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Emirati talent is at the heart of Etihad’s long-term growth strategy. Since the launch of our Emiratisation strategy last year, we have invested in programs that combine world-class operational training with meaningful international exposure, fueling the ambitions of our Emirati talent and equipping them with the skills, confidence and global perspective to thrive.”
Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations & Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Every seamless journey starts on the ground. Our airport programs prepare the next generation of Emirati professionals who will play a critical role in delivering safe, efficient, world-class airport operations. Through hands-on experience in our global network, they will gain practical insights, exchange knowledge with international colleagues and experience diverse operational and cultural environments. These international assignments will see our young Emiratis become ambassadors for the UAE at world stage, demonstrating the professionalism, warmth and values that define both Etihad and our nation.”
The airport and ground operations programs are part of Etihad’s wider Emiratization strategy, creating long-term career pathways for UAE nationals while supporting the airline’s continued operational growth. Today, Emirati graduates oversee operations in East Asia, Europe, the GCC and North Africa, with the inaugural summer deployment marking the next step in preparing a new generation of Emirati talent for global assignments.
As Etihad continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global aviation hub, these programs will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Emirati aviation talent. UAE nationals with a passion for aviation and operational excellence are encouraged to apply and build a career with world-class training, international experience and the opportunity to represent the nation on the world stage.
More information and applications are available at etihad.com/airportprogramme
