The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Emirates, and Airbus have joined forces to deliver a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programme for the Airbus A350 type rating, as Emirates prepares for the delivery of its fleet of 65 A350s from mid-2024.
An initial cohort of 256 pilots will be trained as part of the new course at Emirates’ Training college in Dubai starting from July 2024.
The joint work combines the respective expertise of the three organizations.
• IATA will focus on program design using its published guidance for CBTA
• Airbus will contribute knowledge of the aircraft along with its own CBTA experience
• Emirates will use its CBTA training and operational experience
This collaboration will create and deliver the first A350 type rating training in full alignment with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for CBTA training and with the best practices contained in the IATA CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training.
According to IATA’s SVP for Operations, Safety and Security, Nick Careen, “Combining the expertise of Emirates, Airbus and IATA to design and deliver A350 type rating training is a unique opportunity. Our joint aim is to fully utilize the benefits of CBTA to qualify the pilots on the A350 in the most efficient and effective way possible. And by doing it together all three organizations will also gain valuable experience that can strengthen their other training activities.”
Also speaking, the Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Flight Training, Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, said, “Emirates uses cutting-edge training programmes so our pilots are among the most competent flight crew in the world. The tailored CBTA program for the A350 supports the integration of 65 new A350 aircraft, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350 Type Rating course. This commitment enhances passenger safety and comfort, reflecting our unwavering dedication to the highest service standards.”
Also speaking, the Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide, Capt. Stéphan Labrucherie, “The A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft, which requires equally advanced training solutions. Our partnership with IATA and Emirates ensures that Emirates pilots receive the most comprehensive and effective training, supporting the smooth entry into service of the A350 worldwide.”
As the demand for pilots grows worldwide, efficient and effective training methodologies are evermore critical.
CBTA has proven itself a successful solution to this need.
By using real-world training scenarios, it focuses on the competences needed to manage complex combinations of operational and environmental situations that crew face.
An example of such a scenario could be landing in a high-density traffic area in adverse weather conditions.
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