29 May 2025
Flying at Dubai’s Emirates Flight Training Academy just got a whole lot more fun with the addition of two Gamebird GB1 aerobatic aircraft to the already impressive fleet.
The two-seat Gamebirds join the 30-strong fleet of Cirrus, Embraer Phenom and Diamond aircraft meaning EFTA is now training cadets on four distinct aircraft types before they graduate.
The new Gamebirds are the academy’s first aerobatic aircraft specially designed for upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT). Cadet pilots will complete 5 hours of UPRT and learn to manage upset recovery scenarios.
Gamebird GB1 is a high performance dedicated aerobatic aircraft
EFTA’s Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi said, “We have remained steadfast and true to our vision – to be at the forefront of aviation training as it’s pivotal in shaping Emirates’ and the industry’s future.
“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. The Gamebird has elevated our curriculum and will ensure our graduates are equipped with the skills and confidence to excel.”
The Gamebird offers endurance up to 7 hours and 30 minutes, with 1.5 hours aerobatic manoeuvring and high performance capabilities. It’s manufactured by Game Aerospace (renamed from Game Composites), which started in the UK at Wickenby Airfield in 2013, but moved to Bentonville, Arkansas in the USA in 2016.
EFTA cadets also get to fly the Embraer Phenom light jet. Photo: EFTA
Located at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South (also known as Dubai Word Central), EFTA was launched by Emirates in 2017, initially to train UAE nationals, and later international students.
EFTA’s brand new facility is equal in size to 200 football fields, has 36 modern classrooms, six 6-axis full-motion flight simulators, an independent Air Traffic Control Tower, and a dedicated 1,800m runway with its own Instrument Landing System.
EFTA recently graduated 85 cadets and its current cohort of over 330 come from 26 diverse nationalities.
