DUBAI- Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) today (December 18, 2024) held its fifth graduation ceremony, marking the academy’s largest cohort to date and signaling a significant milestone in aviation education.
The event coincided with the announcement of an Advanced Diploma in Pilot Licensing Training (Aeroplane), following the academy’s accreditation as a Training Provider by the UAE National Qualifications Centre (NQC).
Emirates Pilots Graduation Ceremony
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, headlined the ceremony, presenting certificates to the graduating cadets. The event brought together the group’s senior leadership, graduates, their families, academy faculty, and current cadets.
In a powerful address, Sheikh Ahmed emphasized the academy’s strategic vision and transformative impact on aviation education. “EFTA was built on a clear vision and robust strategy,” he stated.
Our journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and the NQC recognition validates our commitment to developing future-ready aviation professionals.”
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group
The academy’s mission extends beyond local training, positioning itself as a critical incubator for global aviation talent. Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the institution’s role in creating a steady pipeline of skilled pilots, not just for the UAE but for the international aviation industry.
We are empowering young adults to drive the future of aviation right here in Dubai.”
85 Cadets Graduated
Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) celebrated the graduation of 85 cadets, marking a significant milestone in aviation training.
The cohort comprises 67 UAE Nationals and 18 international students, bringing the total number of graduates since EFTA’s inception to 271 professionally trained pilots.
The academy recognized four top-performing cadets: Humaid Al Hammadi, Abdulla Raeisi, Alessandro Muffolini, and Sarah Shah, with Abdulla Alkaabi receiving special recognition for outstanding diligence.
These graduates have transformed from school leavers with no prior flying experience to world-class professional pilots through intense ground and aerial training.
Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President of Emirates Flight Training Academy, highlighted the significance of the moment.
This graduation represents more than a ceremony—it embodies the fulfillment of collective dreams.”
The cadets have demonstrated exceptional skills and preparedness to enter the aviation industry.
EFTA introduced an Advanced Diploma in Pilot Licensing Training, designed to provide graduates with a comprehensive academic foundation. The program aims to complement the practical skills developed during their training, further strengthening the UAE’s aviation education ecosystem.
The new diploma will be available to all EFTA graduates, supporting the General Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) objectives and reinforcing the academy’s commitment to developing skilled aviators. By combining rigorous theoretical education with practical training, EFTA continues to position itself as a leading institution in pilot education
New Diploma Program
EFTA has disclosed an Advanced Diploma program that provides cadets with 94 credit hours, enabling potential pathways to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at universities worldwide.
The academy’s latest graduating class represents a significant milestone in aviation education, with each cadet completing an intensive 113-week training program.
The training curriculum encompasses over 1,100 hours of ground-based instruction and 270 hours of flight training, utilizing a modern fleet of 32 training aircraft located in Dubai South. EFTA’s innovative approach transforms students with no prior flying experience into professionally trained pilots through advanced learning technologies.
A landmark achievement for 2024 includes the academy’s progression towards European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) accreditation, expected in early 2025. This development will enable graduates to obtain dual licensing from both the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and EASA, substantially expanding global career opportunities for pilots.
Cadet Faris Ahmed, speaking on behalf of the Class of 2024, shared a personal narrative of inspiration and transformation.
My father’s passion for aviation motivated my journey. These years have been life-changing, characterized by intense training, unwavering support, and the formation of lifelong bonds.”
Cadet Faris Ahmed, Class of 2024
Ahmed highlighted the comprehensive nature of their training, emphasizing the meticulous preparation that included extensive simulator and classroom work.
We mastered every minute detail. The thrill of our first solo flight and initial flight deck experience were pivotal moments in our professional development.”
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