Emirates Airline Selects Cirrus Aircraft SR22 for Flight Training Academy Fleet

Cirrus Aircraft today announced Emirates Flight Training Academy, the flight training program operated by Emirates airline, selected the technologically advanced SR22 for its primary training aircraft. A fleet of twenty-two (22) Cirrus SR22 aircraft will lead pilot training at Al Maktoum International-Dubai World Central Airport in support of the Emirates' National Cadet Pilot Programme. Emirates airline is the world's largest international carrier with a strong record of service excellence and profitability. The partnership marks the latest milestone where Cirrus Aircraft has been chosen by a premier global pilot training program to provide advanced, easy-to-fly modern aircraft to prepare students to fly tomorrow's commercial airliners.

"Our partnership with Emirates represents a real step forward for the worldwide flight training and airline industry," stated Todd Simmons, Cirrus Aircraft's President of Customer Experience. "Emirates, just as it has done successfully for the past 30 years, is looking to the future by building a turnkey program that will lead the industry for many years to come. The innovative training solution – of which SR22's are the airplane component - is focused on providing cadets with the most technologically advanced training possible, and that is why Emirates chose Cirrus Aircraft. It is an honor for Cirrus to be such an integral part of this vision by an airline as prominent and forward-leaning as Emirates."

The Cirrus fleet of SR22s selected by Emirates offers a broad range of industry leading capabilities that will prepare cadets to fly Emirates' commercial airliners on global routes.  With Cirrus Perspective™ by Garmin®, cadets will view a flight deck with two large 12 inch flight displays, a Flight Management System (FMS) keypad controller, plus integrated engine indication and crew alerting systems. The flight deck includes an automatic flight control system (AFCS) and flight director as well as ADS-B NextGen capabilities. Each aircraft is also equipped with a state-of-the-art electronic stability system similar to the envelope protection systems Emirates has on its air transport fleet. These advanced capabilities, along with the wide array of other innovations and standard features on the SR22, allow pilots to train on systems similar to what they will be operating in their future careers. Cirrus standard safety equipment, such as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) and composite structures, will also allow these future Emirates pilots to train day in and day out with the best safety innovations available today.

"The Cirrus SR22 is the ideal training platform for the Emirates Flight Training Academy," noted David Moser, Cirrus Aircraft's Vice President of Fleet and Special Mission Aircraft. "Emirates is creating a dedicated flight training center that showcases the industry's most advanced approach to pilot training in a fully integrated facility. Cirrus speaks to the demands of this program through the innovation, advanced technology and avionics that are found in the SR22."

In 1985, Emirates flew its first routes out of Dubai with just two aircraft. Now, it has evolved into one of the fastest growing, most innovative airlines in the world with a fleet of more than 240 aircraft that fly to over 140 destinations in more than 80 countries. As a company who has globally influenced travel and tourism, Emirates is known for the highest standards of quality in every facet of business. Emirates has a fleet that is regarded as one of the most modern and advanced in the world. Named the Aviation Company of the Year in 2014, they have received more than 400 awards for excellence worldwide.

"Industry forecasts show growth in the need for pilots particularly over the next few years. The Middle East and the Gulf region will have the highest demand for pilots to support its expansion and introduction of new aircraft. The Emirates Flight Training Academy is our investment and response to this pressing need," said Adel Al Redha, Emirates Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "The academy will offer training programmes using the latest available technology and advanced aircraft. Our decision to purchase the Cirrus SR22 fleet for training underscores our commitment to equip the Academy, as well as the aviation industry, with the infrastructure needed to produce a highly-skilled pilot workforce. While the biggest beneficiary of this programme is Emirates, it is our plan to offer the programme to external candidates around the world."

The first SR22 in the Emirates airlines livery debuted to the world during an announcement at the renowned Dubai Airshow, 8-12 November, 2015. Emirates will begin taking delivery of their Cirrus fleet in 2017, with all aircraft expected to be delivered by the end of 2018. The National Cadet Pilot Programme will have the capacity to train up to 400 students at a time and will bring together important elements of pilot training such as ground school classrooms, ab initio flight training, ground based simulators and modern accommodation with recreational facilities.