EFTA Graduates Record Cohort, Launches Advanced Pilot Training Diploma
Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) celebrated its largest-ever graduating class today, with 85 cadets ready to take flight in the aviation industry. The ceremony, attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, marked a significant milestone for the academy.
Sheikh Ahmed praised the academy’s vision and its role in shaping the future of aviation, both in the UAE and globally.
The graduates, 67 of whom are UAE nationals, underwent rigorous training over 113 weeks, including more than 1,100 hours of ground training and 270 hours of flight time.
EFTA also launched an Advanced Diploma in Pilot Licensing Training (Aeroplane), accredited by the UAE National Qualifications Centre (NQC), to offer cadets an academic foundation alongside their practical training.
Capt Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President at EFTA, commended the cadets for their hard work and dedication. He also announced that the new Advanced Diploma would support EFTA graduates in continuing their education, offering a pathway to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
This year, EFTA marked a major step in its international expansion with the upcoming European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) accreditation, set for early 2025. Graduates will receive dual licenses from both the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and EASA, opening doors to global aviation opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Faris Ahmed reflected on the transformative journey, from intense training to the excitement of their first solo flights. “This is not just a graduation, but the beginning of our careers as professional pilots,” he said.
With a fleet of 32 training aircraft and state-of-the-art facilities in Dubai South, EFTA continues to set the standard for aviation education, empowering the next generation of skilled pilots.
