Etihad Airways Achieves Milestone in Pilot Training with Mixed Fleet Flying

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has reached a major milestone in pilot training and operational flexibility. The airline has successfully qualified its pilots to operate both the Airbus A350 and A380 aircraft interchangeably, following extensive regulatory approvals and specialized training.

This achievement places Etihad among the first airlines globally to implement this level of pilot versatility. Traditionally, pilots are certified to fly only one type of aircraft. However, under certain conditions—such as cockpit similarities, standardized procedures, and advanced training programs—pilots can be authorized to operate multiple aircraft types. This process, known as Mixed Fleet Flying (MFF), is approved by both the aircraft manufacturer and the Civil Aviation Authority.

Strengthening Fleet Flexibility

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Airways, expressed pride in this accomplishment, stating:

"Etihad Airways is honored to be among the first airlines to qualify its pilots to operate both the Airbus A350 and A380. This achievement enhances our network’s resilience, improves efficiency, and reinforces our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and, above all, safety."

Over the past decade, Etihad has secured similar approvals, allowing its pilots to operate various Airbus and Boeing aircraft interchangeably, including the A320 and A330, the A330 and A340, as well as the Boeing 777 and 787. This approach has set new benchmarks for fleet commonality, enhancing the airline’s operational flexibility.

Expanding Operational Efficiency

With this latest approval, Etihad further strengthens its widebody fleet capabilities, optimizing crew deployment and increasing efficiency across its global network. As the airline continues to push the boundaries of operational excellence, this achievement marks another step forward in delivering world-class service while maintaining the highest safety standards.