Emirates Invests $48 Million in Pilot and Crew Training

Emirates is gearing up for the arrival of its highly anticipated Airbus A350s by investing approximately $48 million in state-of-the-art training equipment and systems for pilots and cabin crew. This significant investment demonstrates the airline's commitment to achieving the highest standards in crew training.

Advanced Training Equipment

The new training suites include:

• Three full flight simulators equipped with innovative Pilot Support Systems (PSS)
• A fixed base training device
• A cabin emergency evacuation trainer
• A door trainer

The PSS is an industry first, designed entirely in-house by Emirates to enhance the training experience. It allows trainees to engage in an interactive flight deck setup, including building flight plans in a fully immersive environment. After the briefing, trainees can seamlessly transition into the simulator for hands-on training. The PSS also features a debrief mode, enabling instructors to review recorded sessions and evaluate crew performance effectively.

EASA Approval and Training Capacity

Emirates’ first A350 simulator has received level D qualification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the highest certification for this type of simulator. Impressively, it achieved this qualification with zero findings, underscoring the advanced technology and training efficiency.

The airline has ordered a total of three full flight simulators for its A350 fleet. The second simulator is currently in the onsite acceptance stage, with EASA approval expected in November. Additionally, the A350 fixed base training device mimics the flight deck using realistic visual and audio systems, making training sessions as authentic as possible.

Expansion and Future Goals

Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Flight Training, emphasized the airline’s focus on innovation: “Spearheading innovation is at the core of Emirates’ DNA. We’re proud that we now have the potential to expand our pilot training capacity by 54 percent.” With these investments, pilots and cabin crew are well-equipped and confident to manage any operational challenges.

Currently, Emirates has trained nearly 30 pilots and 820 cabin crew members. By the end of November, more than 50 pilots are expected to complete their training on the A350 simulators before the aircraft officially enters service. The training provided is robust and evidence-based, conducted by highly experienced instructors in specially designed environments.

In June, Emirates also announced a collaboration with IATA and Airbus to enhance a Competency-Based Training and Assessment program for A350 type ratings.

Looking Ahead

As part of its growth strategy, Emirates has ordered 65 A350s and 205 777Xs, allowing for expansion and improved service on existing routes. Later this year, the airline will open an advanced pilot training facility, which spans 63,318 sq. ft. and will house six full-flight simulator bays for the A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft.

With a total of 17 full flight simulators, Emirates' training facilities are set to provide over 130,000 training hours each year, ensuring that its aviators can hone their skills and maintain the airline's high standards of safety and excellence.