Emirates Flight Academy will help address the need for 40,000 pilots in the Middle East over the next two decades in support of a fast growing aviation sector.

Representatives of the academy explained its latest developments at the Dubai Air Show, running till November 21 at Dubai World Central.

A holographic video, the centrepiece of the academy’s airshow display was showcased, highlighting the importance of training the next general of airline pilots.
 
The 2013 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook projects a requirement for nearly half a million pilots globally over the next 20 years, with 40,000 of those required in the Middle East.

“With the dramatic growth of the aviation sector, the demand for new pilots is clear. Emirates is taking the lead and planning for the future. This academy is a major commitment by the airline to the UAE’s aviation industry, and it supports the global industry’s need for a new generation of pilots,” said Adel Al Redha, Emirates executive vice president and chief operations officer.  

“The Emirates Flight Academy also takes an innovative approach to pilot training that will set the benchmark for training excellence in the industry,” added Al Redha.

The Dh500 million ($136 million) Emirates Flight Academy is designed to accommodate up to 400 students at a time. It will initially serve as the dedicated training centre for Emirates’ National Cadet Pilot Programme, and gradually expand its cadet intake to include ab-initio pilots from other carriers, he said.

Based at DWC, the facility will have its own 1.5 km runway, control tower, airport code and a fleet of training aircraft. The fully integrated academy will comprise of classrooms, student accommodation, flight simulators and flight training.  

Once completed in 2015, the 140-hectare site will employ over 150 staff. Around 160 graduates are expected to be produced each year. - TradeArabia News Service