ABU DHABI- Etihad Airways (EY) has applied for slots at São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) and plans to resume flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) for the first time since 2017.
The UAE flag carrier intends to launch services to GRU in the Summer of 2026, contingent upon successful slot allocation. Etihad previously operated direct flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and São Paulo (GRU) but discontinued the route in 2017.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva – https://www.flickr.com/photos/130961247@N06/52436521306/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=125818305Etihad Sao Paulo Flights
Under the leadership of CEO Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways is actively expanding its global network with a particular focus on routes to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa.
The potential São Paulo route represents a significant step in the airline’s growth strategy and marks its return to the Brazilian market after a nearly decade-long absence.
The expansion plans align with Etihad’s broader vision to increase its global footprint and connect more destinations through its Abu Dhabi hub. This growth strategy includes fleet expansion and recruitment efforts to support the airline’s ambitious route development plans.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalPilot Recruitment Campaign
Etihad has launched a targeted recruitment campaign for pilots, with a specific focus on the Brazilian market. The airline is conducting assessment events in São Paulo for qualified pilots interested in joining the carrier’s Airbus A320 fleet operations.
For captain positions, Etihad requires candidates to have a minimum of 5,500 total flight hours, including at least 1,500 hours as pilot-in-command. The airline offers an attractive annual compensation package of USD 171,589 (AED 637,304) based on 75 flight hours per month, plus comprehensive benefits.
First officers or co-pilots must possess at least 2,500 total flight hours, including 500 hours on A320 family aircraft. The position offers an annual salary of USD 138,318 plus benefits, also based on 75 monthly flight hours.
Photo: EtihadComprehensive Benefits Package
Beyond competitive salaries, Etihad provides extensive benefits to attract top aviation talent. These include education allowances of AED 40,000 for primary and AED 55,000 for secondary education for up to three children, a housing allowance, and 42 days of annual leave.
Additional benefits encompass an income protection scheme, layover and meal allowances, staff travel privileges, end-of-service benefits, and comprehensive insurance coverage. The airline emphasizes that these packages are tax-free, adding to their attractiveness for international candidates.
Etihad highlights Abu Dhabi’s ranking as the world’s safest city in 2025, positioning the employment opportunity as both a career advancement and lifestyle enhancement for pilots and their families.
Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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