DUBAI: Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) has entered a groundbreaking partnership with Egnatia Aviation, one of Europe’s premier flight training organisations based in Greece.
This collaboration is set to elevate EFTA’s global standing, with the academy on track to secure European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) accreditation by early 2025.
EASA certification is a gold standard in the aviation industry, essential for pilots flying European-registered aircraft or employed by European airlines. This credential paves the way for lucrative international career opportunities, offering EFTA cadets a significant advantage in the competitive aviation market.
Dual Licensing Advantage
Through this strategic partnership, EFTA cadets aspiring to earn EASA certification can now undertake a 10-hour Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME/IR) programme at Egnatia Aviation in Greece. Upon completion, cadets will graduate with both a UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) licence and an EASA licence, ensuring they are prepared for the global aviation stage.
EFTA plans to integrate the EASA-approved curriculum into its ground school and flight programmes once accreditation is achieved. This development underscores EFTA’s commitment to providing a world-class education that meets the highest international standards.
EFTA's Global Growth
Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President at EFTA, emphasised the transformative nature of this partnership:
"EFTA’s next growth trajectory will have a major impact as we are set to provide a strong pipeline to an industry strapped for international pilot talent. The partnership with Egnatia Aviation marks a huge milestone in that growth journey."
He highlighted EFTA’s unique position, combining state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced learning technologies, and its location in Dubai—one of the world’s largest aviation hubs—as key factors that make the academy an attractive destination for aspiring pilots worldwide.
Elevating Cadet Training
George Triantafyllidis, Chief Commercial Officer of Egnatia Aviation, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration:
"Cadets on the path to becoming EASA certified can look forward to beginning the course in 2025 and completing their ME/IR training in 2026 at Egnatia Aviation. Graduates will benefit from best-in-class training aligned with EU aviation standards."
Egnatia Aviation brings 18 years of expertise as one of Europe’s largest flight training academies, equipped with a modern facility and its own General Aviation airport. Its reputation for consistent, high-quality training aligns seamlessly with EFTA’s vision of empowering the next generation of pilots.
Cutting-Edge Facilities
Established in 2017 by Emirates, EFTA trains cadets with no prior flying experience using cutting-edge learning technologies and a fleet of 32 advanced aircraft. Its expansive campus, located in Dubai South, spans an area equivalent to 200 football fields and includes 36 classrooms, six full-motion flight simulators, an Air Traffic Control Tower, and a dedicated runway equipped with an Instrument Landing System.
EFTA’s aircraft fleet features 20 Cirrus SR22 G6 single-engine pistons, five Diamond DA42NG multi-engine pistons, two Gamebird GB1 aircraft for Upset Prevention and Recovery Training, and five Embraer Phenom 100EV very light jets.
A Future-Ready Academy
The partnership with Egnatia Aviation marks a pivotal step in EFTA’s evolution into a globally recognised aviation academy. With EASA certification on the horizon and a strategic base in Dubai, EFTA is poised to attract top talent and address the international demand for skilled pilots.
This collaboration not only enhances opportunities for cadets but also strengthens Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub, aligning with the emirate’s vision of innovation and excellence in the aviation sector.