Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) has forged a strategic partnership with Egnatia Aviation, a leading European flight training organization.
EFTA is positioning itself for significant international growth and anticipates European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) accreditation in early 2025.
New Training Partnership and Global Opportunities
The collaboration represents a key milestone for EFTA, enabling international cadets to access globally recognized aviation credentials.
EASA certification is crucial in the aviation industry, providing mandatory qualifications for flying European-registered aircraft. It also serves to unlock broader career opportunities worldwide.
Under the partnership, EFTA’s international cadets will complete a 10-hour Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME/IR) programme at Egnatia Aviation in Greece. Upon graduation, students will receive both GCAA and EASA licenses, dramatically expanding their professional prospects.
Stakeholder Comments
Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, EFTA’s Divisional Vice President, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, in the light of the current pilot shortage. “This partnership represents a transformative opportunity to address the international pilot talent shortage,” he explained.
“Our combination of first-class infrastructure, advanced learning technologies, and Dubai’s strategic aviation hub positioning creates an unparalleled training environment.”
George Triantafyllidis, Egnatia Aviation’s Chief Commercial Officer, explained the programme’s comprehensive approach.
“Cadets can anticipate beginning their EASA certification course in 2025, with ME/IR training scheduled for 2026,” he noted. “They will graduate with exceptional knowledge and expertise aligned with rigorous European aviation standards.”
Academy Background and Capabilities
Launched in 2017 by Emirates, EFTA initially focused on training UAE nationals and subsequently expanded to international students.
The academy features an impressive 200-football-field-equivalent facility that encompasses 36 modern classrooms, six 6-axis full-motion flight simulators, an independent Air Traffic Control Tower, and a dedicated 1,800m runway with Instrument Landing System.
The academy’s comprehensive training fleet includes 32 aircraft, comprising single-engine piston, multi-engine piston, upset prevention training aircraft, and very light jets.
EFTA’s fleet includes: 20 x Cirrus SR22 G6 single-engine piston, 5 x Diamond DA42NG multi-engine piston, 2 x Gamebird GB1 for Upset Prevention and Recovery Training and 5 x Embraer Phenom 100EV very light jets.
This diverse fleet enables EFTA to provide comprehensive and versatile pilot training across multiple aircraft types.
Egnatia Aviation: A Complementary Partner
Equally impressive, Egnatia Aviation has emerged as a significant European flight training provider over 18 years.
Like EFTA, it has its own General Aviation airport (Lydia) and a fully functional, modern, European facility. This and the excellent location and weather factor enables it to deliver consistent training all year round.
Future Outlook
EFTA’s pursuit of EASA accreditation represents a strategic expansion, enabling the academy to attract a broader international student demographic and solidify its position in the global aviation training landscape.
By integrating EASA’s approved curriculum into ground school and flying programmes, EFTA is positioning itself as a premier destination for aspiring commercial pilots seeking world-class training and comprehensive international certification.
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