Emirates Invests $48 Million in Pilot Training as It Prepares for A350 Fleet Introduction
Emirates Airlines is ramping up its pilot and cabin crew training programs with a substantial US$48 million investment in state-of-the-art training systems. This strategic move comes ahead of the airline’s much-anticipated introduction of the Airbus A350 to its fleet.
The investment includes cutting-edge training equipment such as three full-flight simulators, a fixed-base training device, a cabin emergency evacuation trainer, and a door trainer. Notably, the airline has integrated an innovative Pilot Support System (PSS), an industry first, which enhances both the preparation and debriefing phases of flight training.
The PSS, developed in-house by Emirates, allows pilots to simulate a fully immersive flight deck environment for mission planning before stepping into the flight simulator. This system enables precise analysis and replay of training sessions, ensuring pilots can review and optimize their performance.
Emirates’ first A350 full-flight simulator has received a Level D qualification, the highest in its class, from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), marking a significant milestone in the airline’s training capabilities. A second simulator is undergoing approval, with EASA certification expected by November.
“Investing in the future of aviation is part of our DNA,” said Capt Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Flight Training. “Our new training suites and upcoming pilot training facility will enhance our ability to train more pilots and cabin crew with the highest standards of safety and competency.”
The airline has already trained nearly 30 pilots and 820 cabin crew on the A350 equipment, with more than 50 pilots expected to complete training by the end of November. Additionally, Emirates has collaborated with IATA and Airbus to implement an enhanced competency-based training program for the A350.
In support of its future growth plans, Emirates has 65 Airbus A350s and 205 Boeing 777Xs on order. The new aircraft will enable the airline to expand its global network and enhance service on existing routes.
Later this year, Emirates will also open a new 63,318-square-foot advanced pilot training facility. Equipped with six full-flight simulators for A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft, the facility will offer a capacity of 130,000 training hours annually, positioning Emirates as a leader in aviation training.
With pilot recruitment efforts in full swing, aspiring aviators are invited to join an online information session on 16 October to learn more about opportunities at Emirates.
