Etihad Allowing Pilots to Temporarily Fly with Rival Emirates

Etihad Airways has reportedly informed pilots they will be permitted to work for rival Emirates on a temporary basis for two years.

According to Reuters.com, the Abu Dhabi-based Etihad is downsizing operations after the airline reported a $1.5 billion annual loss, and the carrier’s business overhaul includes freeing up money by letting pilots work for the Dubai-based Emirates.

Emirates is currently dealing with a pilot shortage that has forced the airline to cancel flights this summer. Pilots who make the jump to Emirates were told they would be placed on a leave of absence, retain seniority at Etihad and receive their salary and full benefits from the Dubai airline.

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Pilots interested in the two-year move to Emirates were told to register online and they would meet with their temporary employer at Etihad’s offices. An Etihad spokesman told Reuters the pilot exchange programs are common among airlines.

Etihad currently employs 2,200 pilots, but it was unclear how many would be permitted to work with Emirates over the next two years. In January, the two United Arab Emirates-based airlines also signed a security pact.

While talk of a merger has been denied by all parties involved, the government-run airlines have continued to work together in recent months.