Etihad Airways graduated its latest class this week. The 237 graduates celebrated the completion of their 18- and 21-month training courses at a ceremony at Al Raha Beach Hotel on Monday.
They include 15 Emirati and non-national cadet pilots, 24 graduate managers and 169 contact centre staff.
Emiratis comprise 22.4 per cent of the Etihad Airways main staff.
"We are not only hiring Emiratis to work in Etihad Airways, but we are also helping them build their career paths in the aviation industry," said James Hogan, the airline's president and chief executive, in a statement.
"This reflects our commitment to attract, develop, and more importantly, retain our highly qualified UAE nationals."
Cadets must complete 900 house of classroom study, 201 flight hours in single and multi-engine aircraft and pass the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority's technical and flying exams to receive a UAE Airline Transport Pilot Licence.
