Over 3,000 Emiratis eager to explore key opportunities at Etihad’s career fair

Etihad Airways hosted its inaugural KHUTWATY 2025 career fair, a high-impact event aimed at identifying and attracting the UAE’s most ambitious and capable Nationals to join the airline’s next phase of growth.

Held at Yas Conference Centre, the event drew over 3,000 Emiratis eager to explore roles where they can contribute their skills and expertise, grow into leadership positions, and shape the future of aviation in the UAE. It was an open invitation to those ready to play a role in giving flight to ambition – Etihad’s core purpose.

KHUTWATY 2025 offered direct engagement with Etihad’s executive leadership and recruitment teams, insight into the airline’s high-performance standards, and access to Etihad’s six flagship UAE National Talent Programmes: Cadet Pilot, Cadet Technician, Airport Management, Bedayati, MBA Graduate, and Emerging Talent. Each programme is structured to fast-track high-potential individuals into roles that demand ownership, accountability, and impact.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, stated: “We are entering one of the most ambitious chapters in Etihad’s journey. To deliver on our vision to be the airline everyone wants to fly, we need the best minds and strongest drive. KHUTWATY is about selecting future leaders: Nationals who think strategically, act with intent, and are ready to push this company – and this country – forward.”

Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer, Etihad Airways, added: “KHUTWATY 2025 is designed to connect ambitious UAE Nationals with real opportunities. We are not simply offering employment – we are opening the door to those ready to take on responsibility, make an impact, and help shape the future of Etihad and the UAE. We’re looking for leaders who will carry the UAE’s ambition into the skies and beyond. Our commitment to UAE National talent is not just a priority – it reflects our belief that ambition, when met with the right mindset and drive, is what truly drives sustainable success.”

Learning from Those Who’ve Done It A cornerstone of the event was a curated series of talks by Emirati professionals who have risen through Etihad – demonstrating what’s possible through commitment and high performance. Their journeys demonstrate Etihad’s values: ambitious, driven, united, authentic, safe, and passionate.

Senior leaders also hosted panel discussions outlining the structure and expectations of each talent programme, with open Q&A sessions that offered direct insight into the opportunities ahead.

Practical Tools to Stand Out KHUTWATY 2025 featured focused workshops designed to sharpen attendees’ readiness to compete and lead. Sessions included: Digital recruitment masterclasses – practical guidance on navigating Etihad’s hiring process Personal branding workshops – run in partnership with LinkedIn Communication and confidence coaching – delivered in collaboration with Mawaheb – Department of Government Enablement

KHUTWATY 2025 underscored a clear message: Etihad is looking for Emiratis who are ready to step up, contribute with purpose, and play a meaningful role in the airline’s future.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has delivered record-breaking financial performance and highest-ever customer satisfaction performance in the first quarter of 2025, building on last year’s momentum with further notable improvements across revenue, operational efficiency, and fleet expansion.

Profit after tax reached Dhs 685 million (U.S.$ 187 million), marking a 30 per cent increase year-on-year, driven by robust passenger demand and operational efficiencies. Total revenue saw a 15 per cent rise compared to Q1 2024, supported by both passenger and cargo business.

Etihad continues to lead the region in passenger growth, carrying 5.0 million guests in Q1 2025 – a 16 per cent year-on-year increase – and maintaining strong momentum into Q2. With nearly 20 million passengers carried over the last 12 months, Etihad is the fastest-growing airline in the region.

Customer satisfaction reached a record high in Q1 2025, with scores improving by 20 per cent year-on-year. Gains were recorded across key touchpoints, including check-in, boarding, inflight service, food and beverage, Wi-Fi, and the updated website and mobile app. The quarter also saw the launch of new lounge and inflight menus, alongside upgraded service standards.

The fleet continued to expand to support the guest experience. One additional A380 returned to service during the quarter, offering First Apartments and The Residence. In April, Etihad took delivery of another A350-1000, with another Boeing 787 Dreamliner to follow. These new aircraft feature ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi and updated inflight entertainment systems.

Etihad also advanced its premium offering, expanding First Class to more routes and preparing new ground and inflight services for rollout from August. In April, the airline introduced its new A321LR cabin, becoming the first in the region to offer First Class on a single-aisle aircraft.