Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) has ordered three twin-engine
DA42-VI and the aircraft type’s corresponding flight simulator from
Austria’s Diamond
Aircraft Industries.
The deal is worth approximately EUR 4
million at today’s list prices.
The 4-seat DA42-VI is the newest version of
Diamond’s light piston twin-engine aircraft and the first certified general aviation piston aircraft to
combine modern technology airframe, avionics and power plants.
With its unique combination of performance and
utility, the jet fuel powered DA42-VI is designed to make
transitioning from single to twin engine planes much easier.
The aircraft
generates fuel savings of up to 50% compared to conventional AVGAS
powered twins, and its panoramic canopy provides excellent
visibility during all flight manoeuvres.
Aircraft delivery is expected to commence soon,
with all three slated to be received by EFTA in the first half of
2023.
More than 100 cadets have successfully graduated from EFTA
since 2020, creating a strong pilot recruitment pipeline for
Emirates and the industry.
“Our new fleet from Diamond
Aircraft is part of our larger strategic intent for our cadet
programme,” said Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Vice President
Emirates Flight Training Academy. “It helps us design a bridging MEP programme for cadets
to gain more flying experience while progressing from a single
engine to a light jet aircraft. Our cadets will benefit
hugely as they gain experience on three different types of
aircraft, even before they’re licensed. The new fleet also helps
us go above and beyond on complying with the new GCAA guidelines.
The DA42-VI is reliable, eco-friendly and a practical platform for
MEP training. We’re confident we’ve made the right choice.”
Emirates launched the Emirates Flight
Training Academy in Dubai in 2017. Currently, EFTA’s fleet has 22 x Cirrus SR22 G6
single-engine piston and five Embraer Phenom 100EV very light jet
aircraft.
EFTA’s state-of-the-art facility, which is equal
to 200 football fields, has 36 modern classrooms, 6 full motion
flight simulators, an independent Air Traffic Control Tower, and a
dedicated 1,800m long runway.
All 36 classrooms of the ground school (53 weeks) are
equipped with two 86” touchscreens, running bespoke training
software created specifically for EFTA. Cadets undergo 900 hours
of training, and access the material via their own devices, which
are all connected to each other, creating an interactive training
environment.
Flying school (250 hours) cadets currently train on
simulators, single-engine Cirrus and Phenom jets.
