The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Emirates, and Airbus have joined forces to deliver a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) program for the Airbus A350 type rating, as Emirates prepares for the delivery of its fleet of 65 A350s from mid-2024.
An initial cohort of 256 pilots will be trained as part of the new course at Emirates’ training college in Dubai starting from July 2024.
The joint work combines the respective expertise of the three organizations. IATA will focus on program design using its published guidance for CBTA. Airbus will contribute knowledge of the aircraft along with its own CBTA experience, and Emirates will use its CBTA training and operational experience.
This collaboration will create and deliver the first A350 type rating training in full alignment with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for CBTA training and with the best practices contained in the IATA CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training.
Nick Careen, IATA’s SVP for Operations, Safety, and Security, said that, “Combining the expertise of Emirates, Airbus, and IATA to design and deliver A350 type rating training is a unique opportunity. Our joint aim is to fully utilize the benefits of CBTA to qualify the pilots on the A350 most efficiently and effectively possible. And by doing it together all three organizations will also gain valuable experience that can strengthen their other training activities.”
Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Flight Training, stated that, “Emirates uses cutting-edge training programs so our pilots are among the most competent flight crew in the world. The tailored CBTA program for the A350 supports the integration of 65 new A350 aircraft, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350 Type Rating course. This commitment enhances passenger safety and comfort, reflecting our unwavering dedication to the highest service standards.”
“The A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft, which requires equally advanced training solutions. Our partnership with IATA and Emirates ensures that Emirates pilots receive the most comprehensive and effective training, supporting the smooth entry into service of the A350 worldwide,” commented Capt. Stéphan Labrucherie, Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide.
