Ethiopian Aviation Academy (EAA) is Africa's largest and most comprehensive aviation training center, operated by Ethiopian Airlines Group—the continent's leading carrier. Located at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, the academy has trained aviation professionals for nearly 60 years. As an ICAO Regional Training Centre of Excellence and IATA Authorized Training Center, EAA offers world-class pilot training with 8 full flight simulators, modern training aircraft, and direct pathways to Ethiopian Airlines employment.
Ethiopian Aviation Academy at a Glance
CPL Program
~$50-70K
Estimated USD
Duration
15 mo
CPL integrated
Simulators
8
Full flight (Level D)
Students
4,000+
Annually
Academy Overview
Ethiopian Aviation Academy operates under Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's fastest-growing carrier and Star Alliance member since 2011. The airline operates 140+ aircraft to 131+ destinations worldwide, providing graduates with excellent employment opportunities.
Key Accreditations
- • ICAO Regional Training Centre of Excellence
- • IATA Authorized Training Center (ATC)
- • IATA Regional Training Partner (RTP)
- • ECAA Approved Training Organization
- • EASA ATPL theory benchmarked
- • 4th ranked globally (Aviation Voice)
Ethiopian Airlines Fleet
- • Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- • Boeing 777-200LR/300ER
- • Boeing 737 MAX / 737NG
- • Airbus A350-900
- • Bombardier Dash 8 Q400
- • Average fleet age: ~7 years
Two Campus Locations
EAA operates from two campuses: the main facility at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and a second campus inaugurated in Hawassa (February 2023) with 3 simulators, aircraft hangars, dormitories, and sports facilities.
Training Programs
EAA's pilot training syllabus meets ECAA and ICAO ATPL requirements, with EASA/JAA-FCL theory benchmarked for international recognition:
| Program | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| CPL + IR/ME | Commercial Pilot License with ratings | ~15 months |
| ATPL Theory | Airline Transport Pilot theory credits | Integrated |
| MPL | Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (airline cadets) | Varies |
| Flight Instructor | FI rating (30hr SIM + 45hr aircraft) | Add-on |
| Type Ratings | B737, B777, B787, A350, Dash 8 | 2-4 weeks |
Training includes UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery), TEM (Threat and Error Management), and CRM (Crew Resource Management) modules aligned with international best practices.
Fleet & Simulators
Training Aircraft
- Diamond DA40NG: Glass cockpit single-engine trainer
- Cessna 172: Traditional single-engine trainer
- Multi-engine aircraft: For ME/IR training
Full Flight Simulators (8)
| Simulator | Use |
|---|---|
| Airbus A350 | Type rating, recurrent (first in Africa) |
| Boeing 787 | Type rating, recurrent |
| Boeing 777 | Type rating, recurrent |
| Boeing 737 MAX | Type rating, recurrent |
| Boeing 737NG | Type rating, MCC, recurrent |
| Boeing 767 | Type rating, recurrent |
| Dash 8 Q400 (x2) | Type rating, recurrent |
Simulator Training Services
EAA offers simulator training to external customers with competitive pricing. Airlines can bring their own instructors or use EAA's qualified team. The central Addis Ababa location provides excellent global connectivity via Ethiopian Airlines' extensive network.
Facilities
Addis Ababa Campus
- • Bole International Airport location
- • 8 full flight simulators
- • Ground school classrooms
- • Computer-based training rooms
- • Flight Training Devices (FTD)
- • Maintenance training workshops
Hawassa Campus (2023)
- • 3 training simulators
- • 3 aircraft hangars/workshops
- • Multiple classrooms
- • Student dormitories
- • Instructor accommodation
- • Cafeteria & sports facilities
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
- Minimum age 17 (Student Pilot License at 16)
- Height minimum 1.62 meters
- English Language Proficiency Level IV
- Aviation medical certificate
- High school diploma or equivalent
Ethiopian Airlines Cadet Program
Ethiopian Airlines operates cadet pilot programs with sponsored training and guaranteed employment upon completion. These are highly competitive but offer an excellent pathway to flying for Africa's largest carrier. Contact the academy for current cadet program availability.
Contact Information
Ethiopian Aviation Academy
Bole International Airport
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Website: corporate.ethiopianairlines.com/eaa
Pilot Training: Pilot Training School
Simulator Training: Flight Simulator Training
Information accurate as of January 2026. Contact Ethiopian Aviation Academy directly for current pricing and program availability.