Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) has inked a strategic collaboration with Egnatia Aviation, one of Europe’s leading flight training organizations, based in Greece.
The partnership marks a brand-new chapter in EFTA’s international journey as it sets the academy well on its way to achieving European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) accreditation in early 2025.
EASA certification is recognized globally in the aviation industry. The certification is mandatory to fly European-registered aircraft or to work for European airlines and opens doors to outstanding career opportunities worldwide.
All ATPL graduates requiring an EASA license must complete a Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME/IR) in an Approved Training Organization within the European Union. Thanks to the partnership, EFTA’s international cadets can undertake the additional 10-hour program with Egnatia Aviation in Greece.
On graduating from EFTA, these cadets will receive both a GCAA and an EASA license. Once EFTA receives EASA approval, the academy will incorporate the agency’s approved curriculum in both ground school and flying programs.
Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President EFTA, remarked that, “EFTA’s next growth trajectory will have a major impact as we are set to provide a strong pipeline to an industry strapped for international pilot talent. The partnership with Egnatia Aviation marks a huge milestone in that growth journey. EASA ATO accreditation, our first-class infrastructure and futuristic learning technologies, along with being based in Dubai, one of the world’s largest aviation hubs, is the perfect combination for attracting the best talent to the academy.”
“It’s a significant stepping stone for the academy’s international cadets as they can now obtain the globally recognized EASA license. We are extremely impressed with Egnatia Aviation’s quality, standards and product. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership that will open new avenues and empower the next generation of pilots,” Abdulla Al Hammadi, added.
George Triantafyllidis, Chief Commercial Officer of Egnatia Aviation, said that, “Cadets on the path to becoming EASA certified can look forward to beginning the course in 2025 and be ready to conduct their ME/IR in 2026 at Egnatia Aviation. Once completed, they will graduate with best-in-class knowledge, skills and expertise from a high-quality ATO, in line with EU aviation standards.”
