Emirates invests USD 48 million to train A350 pilots, crew

Dubai: In advance of the much-awaited Airbus A350s joining the fleet, Emirates has invested around USD 48 million in full suites of cutting-edge equipment and systems to support both pilot and cabin crew training.

The suites 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 has ordered three full flight simulators for its A350 fleet. The PSS is an industry first and was fully conceptualised inhouse by Emirates with a view to optimising the training experience

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

Currently, the airline has trained nearly 30 pilots and 820 cabin crew members. By end-November 2024, more than 50 pilots will have completed their training on the A350 full-flight simulators prior to the aircraft's entry into service.

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.

Emirates is all set to open its advanced pilot training facility later in 2024. The 63,318 sqft 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.