Largest Emirates cadet pilots batch graduates

Dubai: Emirates said on Thursday its largest-ever batch of cadet pilots has graduated with 54 UAE national men and woman having graduated as professional pilots after completing 30 months of theoretical study and practical training.

The carrier said in a statement that it marked the largest group of cadet pilots in the history of the Emirates National Cadet Pilot Programme.

Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, who attended the graduation ceremony on Thursday, said in a statement that since its inception in 1992, the National Cadet Pilot Programme has now increased to a total of “426 Captains, First Officers and Cadets in training”.

“We are confident that this latest class of graduates will contribute to shaping the future of Emirates, playing a key role servicing of our ever-expanding network of destinations covering six continents,” he added.

Adding to that, Captain Abdullah Al Hammadi, Emirates Nation Cadet Pilot Manager, said that with the need for over 36,000 pilots in the region, from now until the year 2030, Emirates will meet this need through the new Emirates Flight Academy.

“The Academy will open next year at Dubai World Central airport and will lead the way for professional pilot training in the region,” he said.

The advanced facility, a Dh500-million investment, will accommodate 400 pilots training at one time and graduates will leave with skills and license to meet the requirements of international airlines, Emirates said.

Currently serving 132 destinations in 76 countries, Emirates operates 200 wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft at present.