Middle Eastern carrier Emirates has formally opened its new crew training centre, which will offer pilot training on the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350.
The centre, located in Dubai, features six full-flight simulator bays. Two A350 simulators have already been installed, and pilot training is underway on these.
Four more simulators – including the initial 777X devices – will be delivered in the “next couple of years”, says Emirates.
The airline has ordered 65 A350-900s, of which nine had been delivered by the end of August.
Emirates’ latest annual report states that it has 205 777Xs on order, comprising 170 777-9s and 35 777-8s, and expects its first to arrive in 2027.
Its simulators are integrated with a pilot support station, which is designed to optimise the training session through flightdeck configuration and flightplan development.
“By streamlining preparation, pilots can maximise learning outcomes,” says the carrier.
“Training sessions are fully recorded, enabling instructors to replay any moment to enhance performance review and learning.”
Emirates Group chief Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum puts the investment at Dhs500 million ($136 million).
Once the centre is fully operational, pilots at the overall Emirates campus will have access to 17 simulators, including the 11 which the carrier already uses for training Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 crews.
