Emirates has announced a strategic collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airbus to introduce an advanced Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) program tailored for the A350 aircraft type rating. This initiative comes as the airline gears up for the introduction of 65 A350s, expected to join its fleet starting mid-2024.
Under this partnership, the training program integrates IATA’s CBTA principles and documentation with Emirates’ operational knowledge and resources, alongside Airbus’ decade-long experience in CBTA training for the A350. The program aims to set a new standard in pilot training, emphasizing competency and behavioral analysis to enhance performance continuously.
Scheduled to commence in July 2024 at Emirates’ Training college in Dubai, the program will initially train a batch of 256 pilots. The comprehensive training spans two phases, including 20 days of simulator training, distributed over 15 distinct sessions, focusing on real-time evaluation and adjustment.
Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Flight Training, emphasized the program’s significance in integrating the A350 into the fleet. “The tailored CBTA programme for the A350 supports the integration of the new aircraft to be inducted into our fleet, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350 type rating course,” he stated, highlighting the scale of this training initiative.
Moreover, Capt. Stéphan Labrucherie, Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide, reinforced the collaborative effort, stating: “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.”
This training program represents a part of Emirates’ broader strategy to maintain the highest standards of service and operational efficiency as it continues to expand. The introduction of the A350 is poised to be a significant milestone for Emirates, reflecting its commitment to innovation in aviation training and operational readiness.