Emirates’ National Cadet Pilot Program, designed by Emirates airline to support the development of UAE nationals, celebrated the largest graduating class in its 23-year history, which was held in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and attended by CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, family, friends and Emirates’ senior management.

During the graduation ceremony, held at the Emirates Group Headquarters, Sheikh Ahmed presented trophies and certificates to 80 graduates who have successfully completed the four-year pilot training program. Counting this year’s number of cadets and trainees, Emirates now has nearly 500 Emirati pilots.

“We are confident that this class of graduates will contribute to shaping the future of Emirates, playing a key role in servicing our expanding network. They will not only be assets to the airline, but will serve as role models for future generations in the UAE,” he added.

“More than two decades ago, Emirates began the UAE National Cadet Pilot Program with only four trainees. Since then, we have steadily built the program and I am delighted to be standing here today to honor 80 Emirati cadets — our largest graduating class. This is an incredible achievement and further highlights Emirates’ drive towards increasing and maintaining UAE nationals within our work force. It is my goal and the goal of Emirates to see this number grow year after year,” said Emirates’ National Cadet Pilot Manager Captain Nabil Al-Boom.

In tandem with the rapid development of the aviation industry and the growing demand for pilots in the region, Emirates recently announced the establishment of Emirates Flight Training Academy which will officially launch next year.

With the ability to accommodate 400 pilots training at the same time, the academy will bring the full training program back home to the UAE.