Emirates Cadet Pilot Program
Have you ever dreamed of flying a Boeing 777 or Airbus A380 with Emirates, one of the world’s top airlines? The Emirates Cadet Pilot Program is your golden opportunity to turn that dream into a career.
This highly prestigious training program grooms young, passionate individuals into fully qualified commercial airline pilots, ready to fly Emirates’ fleet around the globe.
What is the Emirates Cadet Pilot Program?
The Emirates Cadet Pilot Program is a specialized training pathway designed by Emirates Airline, based in Dubai, UAE, to prepare the next generation of airline pilots. This program takes zero-experience students and transforms them into First Officers, capable of flying some of the largest and most advanced aircraft in the world.
The training includes ground school, flight training, simulator sessions, and multi-crew cooperation (MCC) – all tailored to meet Emirates’ high operational standards.
Where is the Training Conducted?
All cadet pilots train at the Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA), located at Dubai World Central (DWC). The academy boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, including:
Diamond DA42 and Cirrus SR22 aircraft
Full-flight simulators
Glass cockpit-equipped aircraft
Experienced instructors from around the world
Who Can Apply?
Emirates is selective. To be eligible, applicants usually need to meet the following requirements:
Age: Minimum 17 years old
Education: Completed high school with strong grades in Math, Physics, and English
English Proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0+ or equivalent
Medical Fitness: Must pass a Class 1 Aviation Medical Exam
No Prior Flight Experience Required
✅ Bonus: UAE nationals have dedicated pathways under Emirati Cadet Pilot sponsorship programs.
What Does the Training Include?
The Emirates Cadet Pilot training curriculum is comprehensive and world-class:
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Ground School | Aviation theory, air law, meteorology, navigation, aircraft systems |
| Flight Training | Hands-on training with SR22 and DA42 aircraft at EFTA |
| Simulator Training | Jet transition, MCC training on advanced flight simulators |
| Jet Orientation | Specific Emirates fleet procedures and safety training |
Upon completion, cadets are awarded a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR).
What Are the Costs?
Emirates fully sponsors selected Emirati nationals.
For international students, cost details may vary and should be confirmed directly with Emirates Flight Training Academy. Estimated costs range from $100,000 to $170,000 depending on modules, housing, and services.
Key Benefits of the Emirates Cadet Pilot Program
Guaranteed job interview with Emirates upon successful completion
World-class training facilities
Fast-track to becoming an airline pilot
Exposure to real-world aviation from day one
Potential to fly A380 or B777 aircraft in future
What Happens After Training?
Once cadets graduate and receive their CPL and type rating, they may be absorbed into Emirates’ roster of First Officers, subject to vacancies and performance. Many cadets move on to fly long-haul routes, operating global flights alongside senior Captains.
How to Apply?
You can apply online through the official Emirates Flight Training Academy website:
🔗 https://emiratesflighttrainingacademy.com
Prepare your academic documents, identification, and be ready for aptitude assessments, interviews, and medical screening.
