Emirates Adds New Aircraft for Flight Training Academy (EFTA)

Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) has announced the addition of a new aircraft type to its fleet. The airline will incorporate the Diamond DA42-VI, a twin-engine trainer airplane, into its flight school’s training program. EFTA has ordered three of these planes and plans to acquire more in the future. The DA42-VI is known for its safety record and eco-friendliness, which makes it a suitable choice for the flight school.

Advanced Training Experience

The four-seat DA42-VI offers an advanced training experience for students as it utilizes cutting-edge aviation technology. The aircraft’s design and avionics systems are built to prepare pilots for flying the next generation of airliners. EFTA’s Vice President, Abdulla Al Hammadi, shared the flight school’s enthusiasm for the new aircraft. He stated that the DA42-VI is part of their larger strategic intent for their cadet programme. It helps them design a bridging MEP programme for cadets to gain more flying experience while progressing from a single-engine to a light jet aircraft.

Proven Track Record

The DA42 series airplane has a proven track record of safety, reliability, and sustainability. The airline selected this trainer over similar aircraft due to its safety record and small carbon footprint. The CEO of Diamond Aircraft Austria, Liqun (Frank) Zhang, expressed his excitement about the manufacturer’s future relationship with EFTA. He stated that the DA42-VI is the industry-leading multi-engine piston trainer, and Emirates’ choice solidifies the aircraft’s position.

Growing Fleet

EFTA plans to acquire more DA42-VI trainers as its training program grows. The flight school’s CEO, Adel Al Redha, stated that the new fleet helps them comply with the new GCAA guidelines. He added that the DA42-VI is reliable, eco-friendly, and a practical platform for MEP training. The flight school has been utilizing the Cirrus SR22 aircraft and Embraer Phenom jet for its flight training. The three DA42s will bridge the gap between the single-engine SR22 and twin-engine Phenom jet.

Demand for Flight Training

Despite the pandemic putting much of flight training on hold, EFTA is now seeing substantial demand for students looking to join its program. The school opened in 2017 and has created hundreds of pilots in its short lifespan. With the addition of the DA42-VI, the flight school is confident that its cadets will benefit hugely as they gain experience on three different types of aircraft, even before they’re licensed.

Emirates Flight Training Academy’s acquisition of the Diamond DA42-VI trainers is a strategic move that will offer students an advanced training experience while preparing them for flying the next generation of airliners. The DA42-VI is known for its safety record and eco-friendliness, making it a suitable choice for the flight school. EFTA plans to acquire more of these trainers in the future to accompany growing.