| 28 November 2024, Dubai, UAE: In a significant move for aviation, Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) has inked a strategic partnership with Egnatia Aviation, one of Europe’s leading flight training organizations, based in Greece. The partnership marks a brand-new chapter in EFTA’s international journey as it sets the academy well on its way to achieving European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) accreditation in early 2025. EASA certification is recognized globally in the aviation industry. The certification is mandatory to fly European-registered aircraft or to work for European airlines and opens doors to outstanding career opportunities worldwide. All ATPL* graduates requiring an EASA license must complete Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME/IR) in an Approved Training Organization within the European Union. Thanks to the partnership, EFTA’s international cadets can undertake the additional 10-hour program with Egnatia Aviation in Greece. On graduating from EFTA, these cadets will receive both a GCAA** and an EASA licence. Once EFTA receives EASA approval, the academy will incorporate the agency’s approved curriculum in both ground school and flying programs. Having EASA accreditation under its belt marks a huge opportunity for EFTA as it looks to go global and appeal to a wider demographic. Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President EFTA, explained the significance of the 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. EASA ATO accreditation, our first-class infrastructure and futuristic learning technologies, along with being based in Dubai, one of the world’s largest aviation hubs, is the perfect combination for attracting the best talent to the academy. It’s a significant steppingstone for the academy’s international cadets as they can now obtain the globally recognized EASA license. We are extremely impressed with Egnatia Aviation’s quality, standards and product. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership that will open new avenues and empower the next generation of pilots.” George Triantafyllidis, Chief Commercial Officer Egnatia Aviation said: “Cadets on the path to becoming EASA certified can look forward to beginning the course in 2025 and be ready to conduct their ME/IR in 2026 at Egnatia Aviation. Once completed, they will graduate with best-in-class knowledge, skills and expertise from a high quality ATO, in line with EU aviation standards.” About Emirates Flight Training Academy Located in Dubai South, the EFTA was launched by Emirates in 2017, initially to train UAE nationals, and later international students, to become pilots. The Academy combines cutting-edge learning technologies and a modern fleet of 32 training aircraft to train cadets with no previous knowledge of flying. EFTA’s fleet has 32 aircraft: 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. EFTA’s state-of-the-art facility, which is equal to 200 football fields, boasts 36 modern classrooms, six 6-axis full-motion flight simulators, an independent Air Traffic Control Tower, and a dedicated 1,800m runway with its own Instrument Landing System. About Egnatia Aviation Egnatia Aviation Flight Training Academy, part of Egnatia Aviation Group, is one of the leading Flight Training Organizations in Europe, providing pilots to numerous airlines across the world. 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. In the span of 18 years, Egnatia Aviation has become one of the largest pilot academies in Europe with cadet contracts and self-sponsored students from all over the world. *ATPL: Airline Transport Pilot Licence**GCAA: General Civil Aviation Authority of UAE |
