Etihad brings in 40 Alitalia pilots

AlItalia pilots are heading for Etihad as part of the Abu Dhabi airline's target of recruiting up to 60 captains and first officers over the next three years to meet the airline's growth plans.

Etihad acquired 49% of the troubled European carrier during the summer.

Some 40 pilots are expected to transfer to Etihad on a three-year contract and many will begin working at the Gulf carrier before the end of this year. All 40 will be flying by 2015.

Captain Francesco De Liddo and First Officer Paolo Sala became the first two recruits from the group to be welcomed by Etihad Airways this week. They are the first of 16 pilots who will attend the three-month training program to convert from Airbus to Boeing aircraft.

The three-part program, which is conducted in-house at the Etihad Training Academy in Abu Dhabi, will initially focus on a corporate induction and specialist training in areas such as aircraft systems, safety and special operations. This is followed by simulator training and, finally, line training on Etihad Airways’ aircraft. The remaining 24 recruits are continuing under their existing type rating and will undertake a shorter two-month training program in Abu Dhabi.

James Hogan, president and chief executive of Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways will hire hundreds of pilots over the next three years to keep pace with the rapid expansion of our aircraft fleet and global network. To help achieve our target, we conducted a roadshow in Italy earlier this year to present our airline to Alitalia’s pilots, and invited those interested in joining us to attend interviews and assessments in Rome or Abu Dhabi. The successful applicants are fully motivated and excited about the unique career development opportunities ahead, and we are delighted to welcome pilots of their calibre into the Etihad Airways family.”

PICTURED: (Left to right) First Officer Paolo Sala and Captain Francesco De Liddo will fly Etihad Airways’ aircraft from early next year.