Archives: Market Intelligences

Emirates Flight Training Academy Expands Fleet in 2025 with UPRT Aircraft

United Arab Emirates – The Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA), based at Dubai World Central, has incorporated two Gamebird GB1 aircraft into its upset recovery training programme as part of an expanded strategy to prepare ab-initio cadets for advanced airline operations. The addition strengthens the academy’s existing fleet of Cirrus SR22 G6, Diamond DA42NG and Embraer Phenom 100EV aircraft and enhances exposure to high-performance manoeuvring essential for modern airline pilot readiness.

  • The UK-built Gamebird GB1, originally developed by Game Aerospace for aerobatic operations, is being used for five hours of dedicated upset recovery instruction, leveraging its +10g / –10g load factor capability and responsive handling characteristics.

  • The two-seat aircraft is powered by a Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A engine and equipped with Garmin GX3 avionics and a GFC 500 autopilot, enabling both conventional and advanced manoeuvre training.

  • EFTA recently graduated 85 cadets and currently trains approximately 300 students representing 26 nationalities. Since the academy’s establishment in 2017, 273 graduates have progressed to first officer roles with Emirates.

  • The academy’s wider facilities include 36 classrooms, six full-motion simulators, a dedicated 5,900-foot runway and independent air traffic control services.

  • EFTA operates a fleet comprising 20 Cirrus SR22 G6 piston singles, five Diamond DA42NG piston twins, five Embraer Phenom 100EV light jets, and now two GB1 aerobatic aircraft to reinforce advanced handling skills.

Statements

  • “We’ve adopted a game-changing approach with our training: equip our cadets with the latest tools and technology, recalibrate regularly to prepare for future challenges, and ensure there are zero gaps. We are committed to ensuring our cadets are fully prepared and can contribute in their aviation careers from day one.” – Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President, EFTA

Source: Emirates Flight Training Academy

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Skyborne Appoints William Hulse as Group Head of Sales

United Kingdom – Skyborne, a global pilot training group operating training bases in Gloucestershire and Bournemouth in the United Kingdom and in Vero Beach, Florida in the United States, has appointed William Hulse as Group Head of Sales. The appointment strengthens the organisation’s commercial leadership as Skyborne continues to scale its transatlantic pilot training operations.

  • Hulse has progressed through multiple marketing and sales roles at Skyborne over nearly four years, including Marketing Manager, Sales Executive, Sales Manager UK, and most recently Group Head of Sales.

  • His previous responsibilities included introducing new training products, overhauling CRM processes using Salesforce, training the U.S. sales team, and leading UK-focused brand and event initiatives.

  • Hulse’s experience supporting both the UK and U.S. operations positions him to lead global sales strategy across Skyborne’s integrated training network, which delivers ab-initio airline-specific training programmes.

Source: Skyborne

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Skyborne Appoints Vicky Harriss as Group Head of Strategic Planning

United Kingdom – Skyborne, a global pilot training group operating training bases in Gloucestershire and Bournemouth in the United Kingdom and in Vero Beach, Florida in the United States, has appointed Vicky Harriss as Group Head of Strategic Planning. The role strengthens Skyborne’s organisational planning capability as the group continues to expand its multi-site training operations across the UK and US.

  • Harriss has been with Skyborne for more than five years, previously serving as Head of Operational Delivery (2023–2025), Head of Maintenance (2021–2023), and General Manager Operations (2020–2021).

  • Her new role will support long-term planning across Skyborne’s integrated training network, which delivers airline pilot training programmes spanning ab-initio to advanced flight training.

Source: Skyborne

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