Dubai Airshow exhibitor Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA, Ireland Pavilion, Stand 644) has secured its third major international pilot cadet training contract, signing a three-year deal with Turkish Airlines to start training its cadets to first officer commercial pilot level. Calling the deal a major step, AFTA said its signing builds a solid foundation for securing partnership deals with other international airline companies.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to develop a partnership training agreement with Turkish Airlines, and we see it as a major endorsement of the academy’s high training standards and international reputation,” said AFTA founder Mark Casey.

AFTA says a large number of its graduates now work for global airlines such as Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways, leaving “no doubt” that discussions at this show will contribute to having more AFTA-trained cadets in the region.