Emirates Flight Training Academy inked a firm order today with Embraer Executive Jets for five Phenom 100Es, as well as options for five more. Deliveries of these light jets, which will be used for flight training, are scheduled to begin in 2017. The Phenom 100E is already being used by flight schools in the U.S., Finland and Australia.

“Emirates’ dedicated flight training center offers one of the industry’s most innovative and advanced airline pilot training programs,” said Embraer Executive Jets president and CEO Marco Tulio Pellegrini. “We are pleased to be one of Emirates' key partners by providing them the jet training aircraft adopted to fulfill their future demand for highly skilled professional airline pilots.”

According to Emirates executive vice president and COO Adel Al Redha, “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.”

As part of the signing ceremony celebration, a Phenom 100E with the Emirates Flight Training Academy’s livery will be on static display at the Dubai Air Show next week.