flydubai expands pilot training capacity through partnerships with Egnatia Aviation and Skyborne

flydubai has strengthened its pilot development strategy through new partnerships with Egnatia Aviation and Skyborne Airline Academy, aimed at expanding the airline's training capacity and supporting its Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme. The training providers will oversee flight instruction for the programme's initial intake of cadets, preparing graduates to earn an MPL and seamlessly join flydubai as first officers.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, commented: “This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in the next generation of aviation talent and building the capabilities needed to support flydubai’s long-term growth and operational expansion. Working with training providers of the calibre of Egnatia and Skyborne allows us to strengthen our Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme and ensures our cadets are equipped with the skills to progress confidently into our flight operations.”

The collaboration is a key component of flydubai’s long-term vision to secure a steady flow of qualified pilots as it continues to grow its fleet and network in the years ahead. Leveraging flydubai’s advanced training capabilities alongside the expertise of two renowned training organisations, the partnership helps prepare the airline for future operational needs while reinforcing Dubai’s role as a leading global hub for aviation talent and training excellence.

Captain Ahmad Bin Huzaim, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations & Crew Training at flydubai, stated: “Our Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme is designed to attract the best talent to flydubai while strengthening Dubai’s position as a global aviation training hub. The strong interest we have seen from around the world shows just how far that ambition resonates. Our partnership with Egnatia and Skyborne offers our trainees access to some of the most experienced flight instructors and training infrastructure in Europe and the US, enabling us to deliver a training experience that meets and exceeds the industry-leading benchmarks we follow in our flight operations.”

Since its launch in May 2025, flydubai's Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme has offered aspiring aviators a structured route from classroom learning to cockpit readiness, integrating ground school, simulator sessions and flight training into a single development framework. The programme's first cohort brings together candidates aged between 17 and 28 from across the globe, including participants from the UAE, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Kenya and the United Kingdom.

George Zografakis, Chief Executive Officer of Egnatia Aviation, said: “Partnering with flydubai marks a defining moment for Egnatia. Together, we are investing in the next generation of pilots who will uphold the highest standards of safety, skill and performance that modern aviation demands. Being selected by flydubai is a reflection of the quality of training we deliver, and we are honoured to support the airline's growth by preparing pilots who embody professionalism and excellence.”

With training programmes spanning from entry-level pilot licences to advanced commercial qualifications, Egnatia Aviation provides a complete pilot development pathway. Its courses are accredited by the GCAA and EASA and are designed to meet evolving global aviation standards, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required for professional flight operations.

Lee Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of Skyborne, added: “Being selected by flydubai is testament to our aviation standards, and we are ready to bring our industry-leading approach to a fresh, diverse audience, reaching cadets from Australia, North America, New Zealand and South Africa under this truly global programme. Safety and quality are core values we embody at Skyborne, both in our leadership and in our training delivery. The next generation of flydubai pilots can expect to train at modern facilities with experts in their field, preparing them from Day One for the flight deck.”

Skyborne Airline Academy, one of the UAE's leading flight training organisations and a training provider certified by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), is dedicated to raising standards in commercial pilot education worldwide. Its training programmes are designed to develop the technical proficiency, operational discipline and professional competencies required for success in a global airline environment.

At the heart of flydubai's pilot development strategy is its 38,000-square-foot Flight Training Centre, which supports the airline's efforts to expand in-house training capabilities and sustain long-term growth. Equipped with four Boeing 737 Full Flight Simulators, the facility provides cadets with access to advanced simulation technology early in their training journey, facilitating a smooth transition from classroom and simulator instruction to line operations.

flydubai currently operates a modern fleet of almost 100 Boeing 737 aircraft across a network of more than 125 destinations. The airline also has an order book exceeding 300 aircraft, including 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners scheduled for delivery from early 2028. In addition, 11 Boeing 737 aircraft are expected to join the fleet by the end of 2026, further supporting the carrier's expansion plans.

The airline's workforce has grown to approximately 7,000 employees representing 144 nationalities, including more than 1,520 pilots. Recruitment efforts continue as flydubai prepares for the next stage of its growth trajectory.

As the Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme progresses and new cadet cohorts advance through the training pipeline, partnerships with Egnatia Aviation and Skyborne Airline Academy are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting flydubai's future pilot requirements and broader expansion strategy.

More information about the programme is available at careers.flydubai.com/pilots/ab-initio-pilot.