Dubai — Emirates has unveiled a cutting-edge flight crew training centre in Dubai, underscoring its long-term growth strategy and commitment to aviation excellence. The $136 million (AED 500 million) facility is designed to train pilots for the airline’s expanding fleet, including the Airbus A350 and the upcoming Boeing 777X.
The 63,318-square-foot centre is strategically located near Emirates’ other training hubs, further consolidating Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub and providing a boost to professional development opportunities for the airline’s workforce.
A Major Investment in Aviation
“This centre sets new standards in aviation training and supports Dubai’s rise as a global aviation hub. The investment is already delivering value, with pilots and instructors praising the facility’s capabilities,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
The new centre adds significant capacity to Emirates’ training network. It currently houses six full-flight simulator bays, including two Airbus A350 simulators that are already operational. Four additional simulators—including those for the Boeing 777X—will be phased in over the coming years.
When fully built out, the facility will feature 17 simulators, including 11 dedicated to the airline’s flagship Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. This expansion is expected to increase Emirates’ training capacity by 54%, enabling up to 130,000 training hours annually and accommodating as many as 1,000 pilots per simulator.
Innovation at the Core
Beyond sheer scale, Emirates is touting the training centre’s technological advancements as a competitive edge. A key innovation is the Pilot Support Station (PSS), a system developed in-house that allows pilots to configure their flight deck and build flight plans in an immersive environment before entering simulators.
The PSS is designed to streamline preparation and maximize the effectiveness of training sessions. Each session is also recorded, giving instructors tools to review and refine pilot performance.
The facility also incorporates advanced 3D printing capabilities for the production of complex training equipment components. Emirates estimates the technology saves the airline up to AED 1 million annually while allowing for rapid prototyping and customized solutions.
Meeting World-Class Standards
Emirates emphasized that its training infrastructure has already earned international recognition. Its first Airbus A350 full-flight simulator achieved Level D qualification—the highest rating—from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The simulator was certified at Airbus A350 Standard 1.3 with zero findings, a rare achievement in the industry.
Training at the centre is designed to be rigorous and competency-based. Highly skilled instructors lead evidence-focused sessions supported by four spacious classrooms, which are used for recurrent, conversion, and command training courses.
Supporting Growth and Recruitment
The training centre comes online as Emirates pursues aggressive expansion plans. Already the world’s largest international airline with the largest fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, the carrier is looking to bring on more pilots as it prepares to add new aircraft to service.
To support this expansion, Emirates has opened applications for Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command, and First Officer non-type rated programs. Aspiring pilots can apply through the airline’s careers website to join what is widely regarded as one of the most profitable and prestigious airlines globally.
Building an Aviation Talent Ecosystem
The new centre adds to Emirates’ suite of training and educational institutions, which includes the Emirates Flight Training Academy, Emirates Aviation University, Emirates Cabin Crew Training Centre, and Emirates Aviation College. Together, these facilities provide a broad spectrum of technical and soft-skills training for both employees and the wider aviation community.
The airline’s investment in training is part of a larger effort to maintain Dubai’s status as a hub for aviation innovation and talent development. By leveraging technology, scale, and world-class standards, Emirates aims to ensure its crews are prepared for the future demands of global aviation.
Looking Ahead
The Emirates Crew Training Centre represents more than an infrastructure upgrade—it is a strategic move to reinforce the airline’s long-term competitiveness. By blending advanced simulator technology with innovative systems like the PSS and cost-saving tools such as 3D printing, the facility highlights the company’s focus on efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement.
As Emirates continues to expand its fleet and global footprint, the training centre is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of pilots and solidifying Dubai’s place at the forefront of the aviation industry.
