Emirates is expanding its flight training academy with an addition of $4.3M worth of new aircraft fleet.
The airline announced that it has ordered three twin-engine DA42-VI and its corresponding flight simulator from Diamond Aircraft Industries – a leading manufacturer of aircraft in general aviation based in Austria.
The airline said that the AUSTRO jet-fuel powered DA42-VI is slated to be the flagship aircraft that ushers in multi-engine piston (MEP) training at Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA).
The 4-seater DA42-VI is the newest version of Diamond’s light piston twin-engine aircraft. It’s the first certified general aviation piston aircraft to combine modern technology airframe, avionics, and power plants. It has been designed to make transitioning from single to twin engine much easier.
According to Emirates, the aircraft generates fuel savings of up to 50% compared to conventional aviation gas (AVGAS) powered twins, and its panoramic canopy provides excellent visibility during all flight maneuvers.
“Our new fleet from Diamond Aircraft is part of our larger strategic intent for our cadet programme. It helps us design a bridging MEP programme for cadets to gain more flying experience while progressing from a single engine to a light jet aircraft. It strengthens our offering and makes it more unique, rounded and robust. Our cadets will benefit hugely as they gain experience on three different types of aircraft, even before they’re licensed. The new fleet also helps us go above and beyond on complying with the new GCAA guidelines. The DA42-VI is reliable, eco-friendly and a practical platform for MEP training. We’re confident we’ve made the right choice,” Capt Abdulla Al Hammadi, vice president of Emirates Flight Training Academy said in a statement.
“We are thrilled that our DA42-VI is the choice for Emirates’ flight training. This, once again, solidifies the aircraft’s position as the industry leading multi-engine piston trainer,” Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO Diamond Aircraft Austria said in the same statement.
Zhang continued: “With Emirates we are adding another premier flight academy to our long list of renowned training operators and are looking forward to supporting them with the most advanced and eco-friendly aircraft available on the market today.”
Emirates said that delivery of the aircraft is expected to commence soon, with all three slated to be received by EFTA in the first half of 2023.
In February 2023, Emirates announced that it is building a $135 million training facility to accommodate six Full Flight Simulator Bays (FFS) for its future Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft. It is expected to open in March 2024.