A total of 77 highly trained cadets officially earned their wings to fly as they successfully graduated from the Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) at their glittering sixth graduation ceremony following months of rigorous training in December 2025.
This annual milestone adds to EFTA’s growing legacy of nurturing trained pilots for Emirates and the airline industry with over 300 cadets graduating to date.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group, who headlined the event, said: “Emirates Flight Training Academy’s graduation ceremony symbolises the setting of a stronger foundation for global aviation and a promise that its future rests in the hands of committed, capable, resilient leaders. Our graduates will now proudly wear their wings, connect the world, uphold the highest standards of safety and service, and shape the world of aviation. Each one of our graduates today is a testament to potential and perseverance. Together, they represent our commitment to building a steady stream of aviators who will carry Dubai’s vision to the skies. Congratulations, graduates – you have made us proud.”
The Emirates Group’s senior leadership team, graduates, their families and friends, and the academy’s faculty and cadets attended the grand ceremony, as per a statement released to the press.
EFTA honoured five cadets for their exceptional achievements throughout the year – Abdulrahman Alnuaimi, Falah Alhosani, Giada Macario and Shaheer Bhatti. Saeed Abdulla was recognised for being the most diligent.
Of the 77 who graduated, 52 graduates represent the Emirates Group’s UAE National Pilot Cadet Programme (NCPP), while 25 are from 15 other nations. In the last five years, EFTA has graduated over 300 highly skilled cadets, of which most are successfully flying or training at Emirates on the airline’s widebody fleet.
The NCPP is the UAE’s largest initiative of its kind to cultivate future generations of highly skilled Emirati pilots. The cadets, who are fully sponsored by the Group, join EFTA. Upon graduation, NCPP cadets have a clear pathway to flying with Emirates after completing their type rating.
