flydubai partners with Egnatia Aviation and Skyborne to advance pilot training capabilities

flydubai’s latest move is a strong signal of how seriously it’s investing in its next generation of pilots.

Partnership Highlights
- Training providers: Egnatia Aviation (Europe) and Skyborne Airline Academy (US/UK) will deliver flight instruction for cadets in the Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme.
- Goal: Equip cadets with a Multi‑Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) and integrate them directly into flydubai’s operations as first officers.
- Cadet intake: Candidates aged 17–28, from diverse nationalities including UAE, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Kenya, and the UK.

Programme Structure
- Launched in May 2025.
- Covers ground school, simulator sessions, and flight instruction.
- Cadets train at flydubai’s 38,000‑sq‑ft Flight Training Centre, equipped with four Boeing 737 Full‑Flight Simulators.
- Designed to meet GCAA and EASA standards, ensuring global compliance.

Strategic Impact
- Supports flydubai’s fleet expansion: nearly 100 Boeing 737s in service, 11 more arriving by end‑2026, plus 300 aircraft on order (including 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners from 2028).
- Workforce: 7,000 employees from 144 nationalities, including 1,520+ pilots.
- Reinforces Dubai’s role as a global aviation training hub.

Leadership Voices
- Ghaith Al Ghaith (CEO, flydubai): “Investing in the next generation of aviation talent.”
- Captain Ahmad Bin Huzaim (SVP Flight Ops): Programme designed to attract global talent and exceed industry benchmarks.
- George Zografakis (CEO, Egnatia): Partnership reflects training quality and professionalism.
- Lee Woodward (CEO, Skyborne): Cadets will train at modern facilities with expert instructors, preparing them from Day One.

This partnership ensures flydubai has a sustainable pipeline of skilled pilots to match its ambitious growth trajectory.