Etihad’s growth leads to 130% rise in Emiratis working for airline abroad

A focus by Etihad Airways on Emiratisation has led to a 130 per cent increase in overseas deployment of UAE nationals, the airline said.

“Due to our fast-paced growth around the world, an increasing number of these positions are based outside of the UAE and provide a unique opportunity for Emiratis to gain international exposure, broaden their skills and experience, and accelerate their careers upon repatriation,” said Ray Gammell, the chief people and performance officer at Etihad.

The Abu Dhabi carrier’s continuing expansion plans will result in 175 UAE nationals on international placements across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas by the end of the year.

On Monday, the carrier reported a 29 per cent year-on-year jump in third-quarter revenue to US$1.8 billion from $1.4bn on the back of strong passenger and cargo growth over the summer.

Also, Emiratisation levels within the airline rose 28 per cent in the third quarter, compared with a year earlier. Etihad is working with various institutions in Abu Dhabi, including universities, to maintain its position as an employer of choice.

Last month, the airline said it planned to set up an accounting centre in Al Ain, which would create job opportunities for more than 1,000 Emiratis over the next three years.