Etihad Airways’ Continues Campaign for Emirates to Join Foundation Program for Entry-Level Employees

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is continuing its search for UAE nationals to join its innovative Fursati – “my opportunity” in Arabic – foundation program which aims to produce customer-facing ground service agents and other key roles for years to come.

Fursati, operated in partnership with Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council, is looking to recruit more than 500 UAE nationals during the next two years for entry level positions within the airline.

Special open days frequently take place across the UAE, with more than 250 people attending one at the airline’s headquarters last week. The open days include presentations about the Fursati foundation program as well as interaction with the recruitment team.

Mona Walid, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Talent Acquisition, said, “The Etihad Airways Fursati foundation program is a crucial pillar of the airline’s continued expansion and its UAE national development program, with Emirati men and women becoming the face of the airline at Abu Dhabi airport.

“Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council are proud to work together and give Emiratis the opportunity to have a fulfilling career at one of the world’s leading companies.”

Fursati program applicants should have a desire to work in customer service, a passion for excellence, and be able to work in flexible shifts patterns.

Successful applicants who join Fursati receive comprehensive training from Etihad Airways as well as other educational institutions in Abu Dhabi including the Higher Colleges of Technology.

There are more than 200 Emiratis currently within the foundation program, many in their early 20s, who are receiving training in English, business maths, business communication, customer service, team work, time management and work ethics.

More information about Fursati can be found in the careers section of etihad.com where there will also be details about future Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council open day assessments which are held every Wednesday and Thursday.

Etihad Airways currently employs more than 2,700 UAE nationals across its global business.

Emiratis remain the number one nationality group amongst total employees based in the UAE, and amongst employees at manager level, executive level and within Etihad Airways’ pilot community.

Under plans to accelerate its employment of UAE nationals over the next five years, Etihad Airways is expected to recruit more than 6,000 UAE nationals by 2020.

A number of initiatives are underway to create rewarding careers for Emiratis. Last year, Etihad Airways opened a Revenue Accounting Centre of Excellence in Al Ain, which will create job opportunities for over 1,000 UAE nationals by 2017.

Etihad Airways has also expanded its broad portfolio of specialist development programs for UAE nationals to include areas such as finance, revenue management, network planning and cargo.

There are now a total of 22 development programs offered by Etihad Airways for Emiratis to develop key skills and gain practical experience, enabling them to fast track their managerial careers with the airline.