Dubai, UAE – In preparation for the arrival of its much-anticipated Airbus A350 aircraft, Emirates has invested approximately $48 million in state-of-the-art training equipment and systems to enhance pilot and cabin crew training. The investment underscores the airline’s commitment to maintaining top-tier standards in crew training as it expands its fleet.
The new equipment includes three full-flight simulators, a fixed-base training device, a cabin emergency evacuation trainer, and a door trainer. Among the highlights is the Pilot Support System (PSS), an innovative, in-house developed tool designed to optimize the training experience. The PSS allows trainees to conduct interactive flight deck setups and build flight plans during the briefing phase. This setup is then transferred into the simulator for training sessions, and instructors can replay the session to review crew performance.
Emirates’ first A350 full-flight simulator received a Level D qualification—the highest certification for such equipment—from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This was achieved with zero findings, a notable accomplishment in the aviation training sector. The cutting-edge simulator technology is set to significantly improve training efficiency and prepare pilots for smooth operations aboard the A350.
The airline has ordered three full-flight simulators for its A350 fleet. The second simulator is currently undergoing acceptance testing and is expected to receive EASA approval by November. The A350 fixed-base training device, designed to simulate the flight deck with realistic visual and audio systems, is also part of the new training suite.
Captain Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Flight Training, said, “Innovation is a core value of Emirates, and our newly acquired A350 training equipment reflects that. With these investments, we have increased our training capacity by 54 percent. Our pilots and cabin crew are now equipped with the best tools to ensure safe and competent management of any operational challenges.”
As of now, nearly 30 pilots and 820 cabin crew members have completed training on the A350. By the end of November, more than 50 pilots will have completed their full-flight simulator training ahead of the aircraft’s entry into service. Emirates pilots and crew undergo rigorous, evidence-based training, led by expert instructors in specially designed environments.
With 65 Airbus A350s and 205 Boeing 777Xs on order, Emirates is preparing for a new era of growth, expanding its global network and enhancing its service offerings. Later this year, the airline will open a new 63,318 sq. ft. pilot training facility, capable of housing six full-flight simulators, further boosting its training capacity.
