Emirates Flight Training Academy
UAE · GCAA-approved; graduates receive GCAA and EASA licences
Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) is a purpose-built ab-initio pilot training academy located at Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport) in the United Arab Emirates. It trains cadets from zero experience toward a commercial pilot licence, serving the national cadet programme and international students.
EFTA, established by the Emirates Group, operates a state-of-the-art campus at the edge of Dubai World Central Airport with its own runway and modern facilities. Its training fleet includes Cirrus SR22 G6 single-engine aircraft and Embraer Phenom 100EV very light jets, using a distinctive pathway in which cadets progress directly from the single-engine Cirrus to the Phenom jet, adding early jet experience. Cadets complete at least 1,100 hours of ground-based training and 315 hours of flight training including simulator time, using a competency-based approach under UAE GCAA oversight. The academy trains for the UAE National Cadet Pilot Programme as well as international students.
School facts
| Country | UAE |
|---|---|
| Region | Dubai (Dubai South) |
| Base airport | Dubai World Central / Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW) |
| Regulator | GCAA-approved; graduates receive GCAA and EASA licences |
| Courses | PPL CPL IR Multi-engine ATPL (ab initio cadet) |
| Fleet | 32 aircraft: 20 Cirrus SR22 G6, 5 Diamond DA42NG, 2 Gamebird GB1 (UPRT), 5 Embraer Phenom 100EV |
| Partnerships | Emirates (parent - The Emirates Group) |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Website | emiratesflighttrainingacademy.com |
Key facts
- Country: UAE; located at Dubai World Central / Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW)
- Established by the Emirates Group with its own dedicated runway
- Fleet of 22 Cirrus SR22 G6 aircraft and 5 Embraer Phenom 100EV jets
- Cadets progress directly from single-engine Cirrus to Phenom jet
- At least 1,100 hours ground training and 315 hours flight training per cadet
- Trains for the UAE National Cadet Pilot Programme and international students
Frequently asked questions
Where is Emirates Flight Training Academy?
What aircraft does EFTA use?
What is distinctive about EFTA's training path?
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emirates_Flight_Training_Academy
- https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-expands-flight-training-academys-aircraft-fleet/
- https://www.emiratesflighttrainingacademy.com/en/training-facilities/
- https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-flight-training-academy-welcomes-its-first-embraer-phenom-100ev/
Last verified 2026-07-13. Professionally-public, sourced information only.