IATA, Emirates and Airbus have joined hands on Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programme for the Airbus A350 type rating.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Dubai-based airline giant Emirates, and European aircraft manufacturer Airbus have joined hands 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.

In a press statement, IATA says that an initial cohort of 256 pilots will be trained as part of the new course at Emirates’ Training College in Dubai starting from July.

The statement says that joint work combines the respective expertise of the three organisations. IATA will focus on programme design using its published guidance for CBTA.

It adds that Airbus will contribute knowledge of the aircraft along with its own CBTA experience, while Emirates will use its CBTA training and operational experience.

The statement adds that this collaboration will create and deliver the first A350 type rating training in full alignment with the latest International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards for CBTA training and with the best practices contained in the IATA CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training.

“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 utilise 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,” says Nick Careen, IATA’s SVP for Operations, Safety and Security.

“Emirates uses cutting-edge training programmes so our pilots are among the most competent flight crew in the world. The tailored CBTA programme 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,” says Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Flight Training.

“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,” says Stéphan Labrucherie, Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide.