The skies above Dubai brimmed with excitement as Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) celebrated its fourth graduation ceremony, releasing 58 bright-eyed new pilots into the world of aviation. This marked a significant milestone in the fight against the global pilot shortage, a challenge that Boeing estimates will require 649,000 new pilots by 2042.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, personally welcomed the graduates, praising their dedication and resilience. “Emirates Flight Training Academy plays a vital role,” he declared, “attracting top talent globally and supporting our nation’s Emiratisation goals.” These graduates, he emphasized, would not only fly the Emirates flag, but also contribute to the industry’s workforce and expand its pilot pipeline.
The ceremony resonated with dignitaries, families, and EFTA’s faculty, all beaming with pride. Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, EFTA’s Divisional Vice President, echoed the sentiment: “Every graduation is a day of celebration, not just for the cadets, but for everyone at EFTA.” He lauded the graduates for completing “one of the most rigorous pilot training courses in the world,” equipping them with not just a license, but valuable lessons and the “drive to persevere.”
Female Emirati Pilot
Fatima Al Ghumlasi, speaking for her class, expressed her elation: “Today marks a significant milestone… and I couldn’t be happier to stand before you as a proud female Emirati pilot.” She highlighted the journey beyond just earning wings, emphasizing the importance of life skills, attention to detail, and remaining calm under pressure.
The graduates, having endured 113 weeks of training, 1,100 hours of ground-based learning, and 270 hours of flight time, were ready to take flight. Two cadets, Ibrahim Al Blooshi and Mayed Mohammed, were recognized for their exceptional achievements, while Nouf Hassan was named the most diligent cadet.
EFTA, with its cutting-edge technology and modern fleet of 27 training aircraft, has transformed over 160 cadets into skilled aviators since its inception in 2017. The academy’s mission extends beyond training pilots; it aims to nurture Dubai’s vision of becoming a sustainable aviation hub and attract global talent.
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