Dubai’s aviation sector celebrated a significant achievement as Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) graduated 77 new pilots in a ceremony held on Tuesday. The event highlighted the institution’s growing role in developing aviation talent, with the latest cohort bringing the total number of EFTA graduates to over 300 certified professionals.
The graduating class demonstrated remarkable diversity, comprising 55 Emirati nationals and 25 international students from 15 different countries. This multicultural composition reflects Emirates’ global operational footprint and commitment to inclusive training practices. Five cadets received special recognition for exceptional performance: Abdulrahman Alnuaimi, Falah Alhosani, Giada Macario, Shaheer Bhatti, and Saeed Abdulla, who was honored for his exceptional diligence.
Emirates Airline’s Deputy President and COO Adel Al Redha announced ambitious expansion plans, revealing the airline’s target to train 5,000 pilots within the next 8-10 years. This strategic initiative addresses the growing global demand for qualified aviation professionals while supporting the UAE’s nationalization objectives in technical fields.
The comprehensive training program combines rigorous ground school instruction with extensive flight experience across three distinct phases. Graduates will now advance to specialized training on Boeing and Airbus aircraft, preparing them for commercial aviation roles. Originally established exclusively for Emirati nationals, EFTA has evolved into an international training hub, accepting students from around the world while maintaining strong representation of UAE citizens through the Emirates Group’s National Pilot Cadet Programme.
Graduates expressed both relief and accomplishment following the intensive three-year program. Italian cadet Giada Macario described the recognition as “the best gift that God could give me,” emphasizing that prolonged study sessions and demanding schedules proved worthwhile. Emirati graduate Yousif Al Ali challenged perceptions about the program’s difficulty, noting that while requiring significant time investment and subject mastery, the academy’s curriculum remains accessible to dedicated students.
The ceremony featured touching moments, including Al Ali’s seven-year-old brother surprising attendees by wearing a miniature pilot uniform. The event marks another step in Emirates’ long-term strategy to develop homegrown aviation talent while contributing to global aviation workforce development.