Emirates Flight Training Academy Celebrates Graduation of 77 Cadet Pilots, Surpassing 300 Graduates Since Launch
The Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) has reached another significant milestone with the graduation of 77 cadet pilots at its sixth graduation ceremony, underscoring its growing role in shaping the future of global aviation.
This latest cohort brings the total number of EFTA graduates to more than 300 since the academy’s launch in 2017. The cadets completed an intensive programme encompassing academic instruction, advanced simulator training, and flight operations, all designed to meet the rigorous standards of Emirates and the international aviation industry.
Addressing the graduates, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, described the ceremony as a meaningful 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, noting that the cadets exemplified “potential and perseverance.”
Of the 77 graduates, 52 are members of the Emirates Group’s UAE National Pilot Cadet Programme (NCPP), while the remaining 25 represent 15 different nationalities, reflecting EFTA’s expanding international reach. Graduates from earlier intakes are now actively flying or undergoing advanced training on Emirates’ wide-body aircraft fleet.
The NCPP continues to be the UAE’s largest and most established pilot development initiative and is fully sponsored by the Emirates Group. Upon graduation and completion of aircraft type ratings, cadets transition directly into flight operations with Emirates.
EFTA’s training philosophy integrates academic excellence, state-of-the-art flight training technology, and leadership development. The academy works in close coordination 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 a special award for diligence.
Located in Dubai South, the academy features a fully integrated campus where cadets reside in on-site accommodation and have access to recreational and fitness facilities, enabling them to focus entirely on the demanding training programme.
The campus 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 global pilot pipeline, supporting Emirates’ long-term growth while contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the international aviation sector.
