Etihad Airways welcomes airberlin pilots

Abu Dhabi, May 22, 2013 (WAM) - Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is planning to recruit more than 50 pilots from one of its partner airlines, airberlin. The move comes as airberlin, Germany's second largest carrier, continues to work through its Turbine business turnaround programme, and as Etihad Airways prepares for significant international expansion. The recruitment transfers began in April when the first batch of six Boeing 737-rated First Officers arrived in Abu Dhabi to start type-conversion training on to the Boeing 777 at Etihad Airways' Flight Training Centre. Upon successful completion, the six pilots will undertake line training on the airline's global network, before being fully licensed as type-rated Boeing 777 First Officers. Further pilot transfers will take place in the coming months, comprising Airbus A320 Captains, Airbus A320 First Officers, Airbus A330 First Officers and Boeing 777 non-rated First Officers. First Officer Peter Reimers, previously based in Koln for six years with airberlin, and who flew Boeing 737s, said: "It's been a great experience coming to Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways' fellow staff have been hugely supportive, and I believe this move will help in our career progression. I'm looking forward to eventually flying Boeing 777s." Nils Korte, a fellow former Boeing 737 First Officer at airberlin, said: "This is a great opportunity for us, and we really feel that we are part of the ever expanding Etihad Airways team. The welcome, support, and training in Abu Dhabi have all been superb and we are proof of the benefits of both carriers working together." Etihad Airways' current fleet of 77 Boeing and Airbus aircraft is expected to grow significantly this decade, with more than 90 firm orders for aircraft scheduled for delivery. James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "This development is part of the broader process to strengthen our alliance with equity group partners. With airberlin we are already sharing resources, integrating our fleet programs, aligning our well-experienced personnel, and developing careers." Etihad Airways currently employs over 1,400 pilots, and plans to recruit 1,000 more by 2020. – Emirates News Agency, WAM