Thursday, December 14, 2023
Yesterday marked a momentous occasion at the Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA), where 58 bright, aspiring aviators concluded their intensive training regimen, encompassing both terrestrial and aerial disciplines. This fourth commencement ceremony at EFTA symbolized a pivotal moment in the aviation sector, especially considering the current deficit of adept pilots. The event saw the presence of notable figures, the proud graduates along with their families and friends, and the esteemed members of the academy’s staff and student body.
The esteemed Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who heads Emirates Airline & Group, took the stage to distribute certificates and formally usher the new pilots into the aviation realm. In his address, he highlighted the pivotal role of EFTA in shaping Dubai’s ambition to emerge as a sustainable aviation hub, its contribution to attracting global talent, and its support for the nation’s Emiratisation objectives. “These pilots, now brandishing the Emirates insignia, embody the nation’s aspirations in aviation, bolster the industry’s workforce, and help expand its pilot reserves,” he stated. He concluded by lauding their collective achievements and expressing his eagerness to share the skies with them, as they play a crucial role in guiding the fleet towards the future.
The ceremony was also graced by senior Emirates executives, including Adel Al Redha, Ali Al Soori, Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, and Oliver Grohmann. Additionally, distinguished guests like H.E. Khalifa Al Zaffin and H.E. Major General Ahmad Muhammad Bin Thani were in attendance.
Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, overseeing the EFTA, shared his thoughts: “Each graduation signifies a day of jubilation for our cadets, their families, and our team. Our graduates stand ready to contribute to Emirates, the nation, and the global aviation sector. They have evolved immensely on both personal and professional fronts, having braved one of the world’s most challenging pilot training programs. They step into their careers equipped not only with a license but also with profound experiences, invaluable lessons, and, most importantly, an undying spirit of persistence. They are the torchbearers of tomorrow’s aviation.”
On behalf of her peers, graduate Fatima Al Ghumlasi delivered an impassioned speech: “This day marks a significant chapter in my journey, and I am overjoyed to stand here as a proud Emirati female pilot. Today celebrates more than just the attainment of our wings; it’s about the commencement of a lifelong quest. Our journey has been enriched by our instructors’ wisdom, our families’ unwavering support, and our peers’ encouragement. At EFTA, we’ve learned more than just flying; it’s been an education in life skills, meticulousness, communication, poise under stress, and the holistic discipline of our minds, bodies, and emotions.”
Special recognition was given to cadets Ibrahim Al Blooshi, Mayed Mohammed, and Nouf Hassan for their outstanding achievements.
The graduating class completed roughly 113 weeks of training, amassing over 1,100 hours of ground instruction and 270 hours in the air. EFTA currently nurtures over 300 cadets, and with this fourth graduation, has transformed 162 novices into proficient aviators for Emirates and the broader aviation industry.
Boeing’s recent report underscores a significant rebound in demand for training services, yet the global shortage of pilots remains a challenge for airlines across the globe. The aircraft manufacturer estimates a need for approximately 649,000 new commercial airline pilots from 2023 to 2042.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
