Emirates' $48 million Investment Leads To A First In Pilot Training

In advance of the Airbus A350s joining the fleet, Emirates has invested around US$48 million in full suites of  equipment and systems to support both pilot and cabin crew training.

These include three full flight simulators integrated with innovative pilot support systems (PSS), a fixed base training device, a cabin emergency evacuation trainer and a door trainer. 

Emirates say the PSS is an industry first and was fully conceptualised inhouse with a view to optimising the training experience. 

During the briefing phase, it allows trainees to carry out an interactive flight deck set-up, including building a flight plan, in a fully immersive environment. The set-up is recalled once the trainees move inside the simulator to resume their training. 

The PSS’ debrief mode allows the instructor to playback the recorded session to review crew performance.

The airline’s first A350 full flight simulator received a level D qualification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The initial qualification was achieved with zero findings.

Emirates has ordered three full flight simulators for its A350 fleet. The second A350 simulator is currently in its onsite acceptance stage and is scheduled to receive EASA approval in November.

The A350 fixed base training device replicates the flight deck, using visual and audio systems to make training sessions as realistic as possible.

“Spearheading innovation is at the core of Emirates’ DNA, and that is reflected in our newly acquired A350 training equipment suites and our advanced pilot training facility set to open later in the year," said Capt Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Flight Training.

"We’re proud that we now have the potential to expand our pilot training capacity by 54%. With our investments in the new simulators and systems, our pilots and cabin crew are equipped, trained and supremely confident to manage any operational challenge safely and competently.”

Currently, the airline has trained nearly 30 pilots and 820 cabin crew members. By end-November, more than 50 pilots will have completed their training on the A350 full-flight simulators prior to the aircraft’s entry into service. 

In June this year, Emirates announced a joint collaboration with IATA and Airbus to deliver an enhanced Competency-Based Training and Assessment programme for the A350 type rating.

Future fleet

For its next era of growth, Emirates has 65 A350s and a mix of 205 777Xs in its order book that will support the airline’s expansion goals and provide flexibility to launch new, and better serve, existing routes on its network.

Ultra-modern pilot training facility

Emirates is all set to open its advanced pilot training facility later this year. The 63,318 sq.ft. facility can house six full-flight simulator bays for the A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft. Across the airline’s pilot training facilities, Emirates' aviators will be able to hone their flying skills with 17 full flight simulators offering a capacity of more than 130,000 training hours a year.