Emirates Flight Training Academy Sends 77 New Pilots to the Skies
The Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) has marked another milestone in pilot development with the graduation of 77 cadet pilots during its sixth graduation ceremony, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of global aviation.
The latest cohort brings the total number of EFTA graduates to more than 300 since the academy was launched in 2017. The graduates completed months of intensive academic instruction, simulator training and flight operations designed to meet the exacting standards of Emirates and the wider aviation industry.
Speaking at the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, said the graduation represented a significant investment in the future of aviation.
“Our graduates will now proudly wear their wings, connect the world, uphold the highest standards of safety and service, and shape the world of aviation,” he said, adding that the cadets embodied “potential and perseverance”.
Of the 77 graduates, 52 are part of the Emirates Group’s UAE National Pilot Cadet Programme (NCPP), while 25 represent 15 other nationalities, highlighting the academy’s growing international footprint. Most graduates from previous intakes are now flying or undergoing further training on Emirates’ wide-body fleet.
The NCPP remains the UAE’s largest and most established pilot development initiative, fully sponsored by the Emirates Group. Upon graduation and completion of aircraft type ratings, cadets progress directly to flight operations with Emirates.
EFTA’s training model combines academic excellence, advanced flight training technology and leadership development. The academy works closely with the National Cadet Pilot Programme and Emirates’ flight training division to ensure cadets are trained in line with the airline’s operational, safety and cultural standards.
During the ceremony, Abdulrahman Alnuaimi, Falah Alhosani, Giada Macario and Shaheer Bhatti were recognised for outstanding performance, while Saeed Abdulla received an award for diligence.
Based in Dubai South, the academy offers a fully integrated campus where cadets live in on-site accommodation with access to recreational and fitness facilities, allowing them to focus fully on the demanding training programme. The sprawling facility spans the equivalent of 200 football pitches and includes 36 classrooms, six full-motion flight simulators, a dedicated runway, and an independent air traffic control tower.
EFTA operates a modern fleet of 32 training aircraft, including Cirrus, Diamond and Embraer models, and provides ab initio training for cadets with no prior flying experience.
With each graduating class, the Emirates Flight Training Academy continues to strengthen the pipeline of skilled pilots, supporting Emirates’ long-term growth while contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the global aviation sector.
