Emirates unveils $136m training academy

A new $136m flight training academy planned for Dubai is set for completion in 2014, Emirates Airline has announced.

Construction on the Emirates Flight Training Academy, subject to regulatory approval, is scheduled to start in early 2013, the airline said in a statement.

The Academy, to be located at Dubai World Central Airport, will act as the dedicated training centre for Emirates’ National Cadet Pilot Programme.

The AED500m investment by Emirates will cover the construction of the facilities, maintenance equipment, training aircraft and simulators to ensure the Academy is state-of-the art, the statement added.

With the capacity to train up to 400 students at a time, the facility will bring together the four key components of pilot training - ground school classrooms, ab initio flight training, ground based simulators, and modern accommodation with recreational facilities.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates executive vice-president of Engineering and Operations, said: “The aviation industry is growing at an exponential rate and the need for professional pilots is crucial.

"Emirates is committed to meeting that demand through training our own UAE National Cadets at the state-of-the-art Emirates Flight Academy.”

He added: "With the predicted need for thousands of commercial pilots over the next decade, the launch of the Emirates Flight Academy is another example of Emirates’ leading position and commitment to the future of aviation in the UAE.”

Emirates said it has been working closely with industry leaders and designers to ensure the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and trainers.

Additionally, cadets will be able to supplement their studies with an on-site gymnasium, football pitch, tennis courts and a mosque.

Emirates said in the future the Academy will have the capacity to train a large number of pilots from other carriers and would "set the benchmark for training excellence in the region".