ETIHAD to enable pilots to fly both A350 and A380 aircraft
African Pilot|March 2024
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has achieved another key milestone in pilot training and flight operations. After rigorous regulatory approval and extensive training at Etihad Airways, highly qualified Etihad flight crews are now authorised to fly both aircraft types interchangeably.
ETIHAD to enable pilots to fly  both A350 and A380 aircraft

After successfully obtaining rigorous regulatory approvals and completing thorough pilot training, Etihad has achieved the qualification for its pilots to seamlessly operate both the Airbus A350 and A380 aircraft interchangeably. This milestone positions Etihad as one of the pioneering airlines globally to attain such versatility in its pilot capabilities. Typically, airline pilots are restricted to flying only one aircraft type. However, under certain conditions such as high similarity of flight deck, pilot procedures and the implementation of special training, pilots may be enabled to operate two similar aircraft types through a dedicated programme approved by the aircraft manufacturer and the Civil Aviation Authority, known as 'mixed fleet flying' or 'MFF'!

Mohammad AI Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Airways said: "Etihad Airways is proud to be one of the very first airlines to qualify its pilots to fly both the Airbus A350 and A380 aircraft. This achievement will enhance the resilience and flexibility of the airline's network and is testament to our commitment to continuously push the boundaries of efficiency, innovation and customer satisfaction and at all times ensuring safety is Etihad's number one priority."

Over the past decade, Etihad has obtained similar approvals to qualify its Airbus pilots to interchangeably fly the A320 and A330 types, A330 and A340 types and its Boeing pilots to fly the 777 and 787 types, setting new standards for fleet commonality. Building on this legacy, the latest approval to fly both the Airbus A350 and A380 will further enhance the efficiency and flexibility of Etihad's wide-body network.

About Etihad Airways

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