Pilots can progress onto Norse Atlantic UK’s Boeing B787 fleet, which operates long-haul services from Gatwick Airport

Flight training academy Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL) recently announced a new partnership with Aurigny and Norse Atlantic UK. Aurigny is one of Europe’s longest-serving regional airlines, while Norse Atlantic UK is part of Norse Atlantic Airways, a long-haul airline focussing on affordable transatlantic flights.

The new scheme will provide a new, integrated pilot pathway to employment with the two carriers, from initial training with LEAL, through to short-haul Channel Islands route work with Aurigny, before culminating in long-haul operations on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with Norse Atlantic UK. The training programme follows LEAL’s standard ‘LEAP’ integrated flight training programme, which includes a BSc in Air Transport Management.

Starting this year, students will have the opportunity to be ‘tagged’ by Aurigny and Norse Atlantic UK after completing the ground school phase of their training with LEAL. They will then continue their flight training at the academy’s campuses in Oxford, UK, and Alhama, Southern Spain.

Once qualified, cadets will join Aurigny as First Officers on the ATR 72, gaining valuable operational experience flying regional routes. Following approximately two years of service, these pilots will progress to Norse Atlantic UK, joining the Boeing 787 fleet operating long-haul services from Gatwick Airport.

Philip Smallwood, Chief Operations Officer at Aurigny, said “it’s great to be able to launch this new and exciting element of our career partnership with Norse Atlantic UK, a fully integrated pilot pathway from first flight to wide-body jet. It places both Aurigny and Guernsey firmly at the heart of pilot careers, helping to ensure a long-term source of aviation talent for our islands’ air services.”

Andy McFarlane, CEO and Founder of Leading Edge Aviation, said: “This pathway sets a new benchmark in the pilot training industry. Our collaboration with Aurigny and Norse Atlantic UK not only addresses the increasing global demand for skilled pilots but also delivers an unparalleled opportunity for our students.”

PHOTO: NORSE ATLANTIC UK