��������(LEAL)��is proud to announce an exciting partnership with ,��with��the launch of a dedicated��tagging programme��designed to fast-track aspiring pilots into commercial airline careers.��

This��exciting��collaboration provides ���Ĺ��� students with a clearly defined��pathway from training to employment, offering��early engagement with��Scotland’s Airline,��one of the UK’s most respected regional carriers.

A Direct Route to the Flight Deck��

Through the Loganair Tagging Programme, selected ��������students��will��benefit��from:��

• • Fast-track access��to Loganair’s recruitment process
  • A clear pathway toward a��First Officer position
  • Priority within the Loganair��hold-pool����

This��aspirational��assessment opportunity is offered to Leading Edge��Aviation��students who are yet to��complete��their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL),��creating a��valuable early connection with a leading regional airline and giving��students��a competitive advantage as they progress through training.��

Enhanced Training and Mentorship��

As part of the programme,��the��exclusive development opportunities,��are:��

• • One-to-one mentoring from Loganair��pilots��
  • An��iPad and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) workshop, covering real-world operational tools and performance planning
  • A��pre-assessment briefing��to prepare for airline selection processes��
  • Insight into airline operations, including flight planning, charting, and daily decision-making

This approach ensures students are not only technically proficient but also fully prepared for the realities of a commercial aviation career.��

Strengthening Industry Connections��

���Ĺ���’s partnership with Loganair reflects��the��shared��commitment��to��align��training with airline expectations and industry demand.��

Loganair operates an extensive UK and European network, carrying over 1.4 million passengers annually and flying a including ATR, Embraer, and Twin Otter��aircraft. The airline��and its scope��offer exposure to varied and meaningful flying, including lifeline routes serving remote communities.����

Supporting the Next Generation of Pilots��

This��exciting��initiative reinforces ���Ĺ���’s mission to deliver not only world-class pilot training but also tangible career outcomes.��

Samantha Alderman-Ross, Loganair Flight Crew Recruiter said:

“We are delighted to partner with ���Ĺ��� to support aspiring pilots at an early stage in their training journey. Through the Loganair Tagged Cadet Programme, students gain access to our fast-track recruitment process and priority placement within the Loganair hold pool, providing a clear first step towards securing a future First Officer position with Scotland’s Airline. We’re passionate about investing in the next generation of pilots and creating accessible, meaningful pathways into commercial aviation careers.”

This��partnership��firmly��asserts ���Ĺ���’s position as��a��leading training provider in the UK��through its student-centred��commitment to graduate employment.����

Andy McFarlane, CEO and Founder of��Leading Edge��Aviation said:

“Loganair’s focus��on developing well-rounded, resilient pilots��reflects��our��shared commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals,��making��it an ideal environment for our graduates.��This tagging scheme creates a clear and credible pathway for��students to begin their careers, offering them the opportunity to transition seamlessly from training into a respected airline environment and begin building long and successful careers within the industry.”��

Applications Opening Soon��

Applications for the Loganair Tagged Cadet Programme open on 30 May and will remain open for two weeks. The programme is available to students who have not yet completed their CPL at the time of application.��

Leading��Edge Aviation is pleased to confirm its��selection��by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to support a new military pilot training programme, reinforcing its position as a trusted provider of��high–quality,��advanced aviation training.��

Supporting the Next Generation of Military Aircrew��

Under the proposed contract, ������ will deliver a structured training pathway for military pilots, supporting both experienced aircrew and new entrants as they transition through multi-engine and multi-crew operations.����

The programme reflects the evolving requirements of modern military aviation and the increasing demand for high-quality, scalable training solutions.��

Delivering Advanced Multi-Crew Training��

Training will be conducted using ���Ĺ���’s fleet, including the Diamond DA40 and DA42��aircraft types��and��simulators,��culminating��in the��Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation��(APS MCC)��course,��widely recognised��for its world-class��capability in advanced pilot training and��its introduction of��Competency–Based��Training��and��Assessment��(CBTA).��This structured approach ensures pilots develop both technical��proficiency��and the non-technical competencies��required��for modern, high-performance operations.����

A Competency-Based Approach to Military Aviation��

The programme has been designed to reflect industry best practice,��tailored��to��specific��requirements,��drawing��on ���Ĺ���’s established��expertise��in competency-based training,��Training��Systems��Design��methodology,��and��flexible��innovative��training��philosophy.��This all��combines to��deliver��a balanced focus on technical��skills, decision–making, leadership, and crew resource management,��core competencies essential to both military and commercial aviation environments.��

Dave Alexander, Chief Operations Officer at ������ and former RAF pilot, said:��

“I am��immensely proud that ���Ĺ�����has been selected to deliver��a key element of��flying training��for��the��RAF, the world’s��oldest independent��air force and the organisation that��established��the first formalised approach to flying training.��We are delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to the development of military pilots who will��go on��to��operate��in some of the most demanding environments.��

Our training philosophy is centred on producing well-rounded, highly capable��pilots,��and we are especially pleased that our APS MCC programme has been included.��This recognition underscores our world-class capability and our proven��expertise��in��delivering��high-quality��training that��prepares��pilots for complex,��multi‑crew��operations.”��

Strengthening Military and Civil Aviation Training��

The contract��is for��an��initial��two-year period,��supporting��the training of up to��34��pilots, with scope for extension.����

Alongside��ongoing training conducted for RAF pilots��destined��for the��Envoy VIP��aircraft, this��selection��further strengthens ���Ĺ���’s role as a forward-thinking training organisation, supporting both civil and military aviation through modern, competency-driven training solutions.��

New Piper Archer DX Fleet Accelerates Training Capacity at ��������

������ is delighted to announce��that��four brand-new Piper Archer DX��aircraft��are��joining��the��training fleet,��reinforcing its continued investment in delivering high-quality, modern pilot training.��

Expanding a Modern Training Fleet��

The new single-engine��aircraft��will be based at ���Ĺ���’s fair-weather training base in Alhama, Spain, enhancing training capacity and operational flexibility for students progressing through the early phases of their pilot training.��

Phased Growth to Support Student Demand��

The first��aircraft��is scheduled to enter service��next month, with the remaining three��aircraft��due for delivery in summer 2026. The phased introduction will support continued growth across the organisation while��maintaining��the��high standards��of training delivery for which ���Ĺ��� is known.��The��acquisition��of these first 4��aircraft��represents��the start of a multi-year, multi–aircraft��fleet expansion plan with Piper.��

The Piper Archer DX is widely recognised across the aviation training industry for its reliability, efficiency, and modern design. Equipped with advanced safety features and contemporary avionics, it provides an ideal platform for developing core flying skills in a structured and professional training environment. Its proven performance and dependability have made it a trusted choice for leading flight schools worldwide, supporting consistent, high-quality student outcomes.��

A Fleet Designed for Seamless Progression��

The new��aircraft��will complement ���Ĺ���’s existing fleet, which includes Diamond DA40 and DA42��aircraft, alongside specialist platforms and advanced simulator capability. This carefully curated fleet enables a seamless progression from��single-engine��to multi-engine training, supported by modern, standardised systems that prepare students for the demands of commercial aviation.

The addition of the Archer DX further strengthens the early-stage training environment, offering students a modern, efficient, and sustainable��aircraft��in which to build foundational flying competencies before progressing to more complex platforms.��

Investing in Quality and Consistency��

Dave Alexander, Chief Operations Officer at ������, said:��

The addition of the Piper Archer DX��aircraft��represents��another��important step��in the evolution of our training fleet. These��aircraft��are recognised globally for their reliability and performance, and their introduction will enhance both the quality and consistency of our training delivery.��

By investing in modern��aircraft��and expanding our presence in Alhama, we are ensuring our students��benefit from increased availability, improved training efficiency, and an exceptional learning environment from day one.

 

���Ĺ��� is delighted to once again be selected as one of Jet2.com’s Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) for its fully funded pilot training initiative, Jet2FlightPath, following a successful inaugural year. This continued partnership marks another exciting milestone as Jet2.com reopens applications for its groundbreaking programme.

Now entering its second year, Jet2FlightPath has already sponsored 60 exceptional aspiring pilots across three leading training providers, 20 of whom are currently progressing through training at ���Ĺ���. With the programme expanding to fund a further 60 candidates this year, even more future aviators will gain access to a fully sponsored Integrated Commercial Pilot Training pathway, a route that typically costs over £100,000. This transformative initiative reflects a shared commitment between Jet2.com and ���Ĺ��� to break down financial barriers and open the industry’s door to talented individuals from all backgrounds.

Applications for the upcoming intake open on 17^th February 2026, with full details on eligibility and application requirements available online.

Open to All: Inclusivity and Opportunity at the Heart of Jet2FlightPath

With inclusivity and opportunity at its core, Jet2FlightPath is open to applicants from all walks of life who meet the entry criteria, including five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (with Maths, English, and a Science subject required). The programme is specifically designed to attract, support, and develop high‑calibre candidates who will contribute to Jet2.com’s continued growth as one of the UK’s most successful airlines.

Successful candidates will embark on an intensive, fully funded Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) programme at one of Jet2.com’s partner training organisations in the UK or Spain, including ���Ĺ���. Upon completion, trainees will progress to a Type Rating on either Boeing or Airbus aircraft before joining Jet2.com’s innovative “Discovery 360 Programme”—an immersive introduction to the airline’s entire operation ahead of joining its expanding pilot workforce.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said:��

“We are delighted to reopen applications for��Jet2FlightPath��after a phenomenal response to the first year of the programme. Our fully-funded pilot training programme helps overcome the cost of training and is already making the dream of flying a reality for many who thought it was beyond their means. We are very proud of the success that the programme is already having in terms of opening up flying for everyone, and we look forward to receiving applications for this year.”

Andy McFarlane, CEO of ������, commented:

“We are incredibly proud to play a pivotal role in this remarkable initiative once again. Our first cohort has settled seamlessly into academy life and is already demonstrating the professionalism and passion that define the next generation of aviation excellence. The relaunch of Jet2FlightPath highlights both our organisations’ commitment to making pilot training more inclusive and accessible, and we are honoured to help shape the highly skilled pilots of tomorrow.”

Jet2.com’s strong growth trajectory continues as the airline expands its fleet of 140 aircraft operating across 14 bases, with a projected 20.1 million passengers expected in 2026. ���Ĺ��� is proud to help support this next chapter, reaffirming its position at the forefront of modern pilot training.

���Ĺ��� is pleased to confirm its significant involvement in the development and launch of Boeing’s new Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) Learning Library, supporting the continued evolution of evidence-based and competency-focused pilot training.��

As one of only four Approved Training Organisations��(ATO)��selected globally to support the programme, and the sole UK ATO involved, ������ has worked in close collaboration with Boeing over several years to help shape the Learning Library in line with CAA and EASA regulatory expectations. The material has been developed to support Ab Initio training, where the foundations of Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) and professional behaviours are first��established.��

The CBTA Learning Library provides structured, scenario-based learning and assessment resources that support the development of non-technical competencies, including communication, workload management, decision making, leadership and threat and error management. These competencies directly align with EASA Area 100 KSA requirements and support a systematic approach to training and assessment.��

Mark Nunn, Learning Support Manager at Boeing, commented on the collaboration:��

“Our collaboration with ATO partners��demonstrates��our commitment to supporting the development of the next generation of pilots. The CBTA Learning Library provides instructors with the tools and resources needed to deliver consistent, high-quality training and assessment in line with modern competency-based frameworks.”��

Throughout the development process, ������ provided structured feedback from instructors, students and senior management to support the validation and refinement of the Learning Library. This input ensured the material reflects operationally relevant scenarios and supports objective assessment of observable behaviours, rather than reliance on knowledge-based testing alone.��

Dave Alexander, Chief Operations Officer at ������, said:��

“Being selected by Boeing as the only UK ATO involved in this project reflects our commitment to regulatory compliance, instructional��quality��and modern training��methodology. CBTA aligns closely with our Whole Pilot®��approach and supports the structured development of both technical competence and non-technical skills from the earliest stages of training.”

The CBTA Learning Library is now fully integrated into ���Ĺ���’s theoretical knowledge syllabus, providing students with early exposure to competency-based training and assessment principles. Instructors benefit from a standardised framework that supports consistent delivery, continuous performance monitoring and targeted developmental feedback, in line with CAA and EASA expectations.��

This collaboration reinforces ���Ĺ���’s position as a forward-thinking ATO, actively contributing to the development and implementation of modern training systems that support safe,��effective��and resilient pilot performance.��

������ is proud to announce a historic partnership with Aurigny and Norse Atlantic UK, launching a new, fully integrated pilot pathway to the commercial flight deck. This collaboration provides Leading Edge students a clearly defined career path from initial training through to becoming a long-haul pilot. By connecting these progressive and innovative aviation organisations, this partnership demonstrates the shared commitment to excellence, quality, and opportunity within this growing industry.

A Career Journey from Classroom to Flight Deck

This partnership offers students enrolled in the LEAP (Leading Edge Airline Preparation) integrated Programme, an opportunity to be selected for a fast-tracked career pathway. Beginning with flight training at ������, before progressing to the ATR 72 with Aurigny, and ultimately, transitioning to a long-haul operation, flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with Norse Atlantic UK.

“This pathway sets a new benchmark in the pilot training industry,” said Andy McFarlane, CEO and Founder of ���Ĺ���. “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. There is currently no other route that offers such a clear, structured, and accelerated path to the long-haul flight deck.”

Strong Foundations in Aviation

������, based at London Oxford Airport, is recognised for delivering one of the most modern, student-focused integrated pilot training experiences in Europe. The LEAP Programme offers:

• Individually tailored ground and flight training
• Professional and personal enrichment
• A BSc in Air Transport Management with Airline Pilot Training
• Dedicated student wellbeing support
• Training across two world-class campuses in Oxford, UK, and Murcia, Spain
• The Whole Pilot® Training Programme

Aurigny, founded in 1968 and wholly owned by the States of Guernsey, is one of Europe’s longest-serving regional airlines. Operating from Guernsey, Aurigny provides vital air connectivity for the Channel Islands and plays a key role in supporting the islands’ economy and infrastructure. Its modern fleet of ATR aircraft delivers regional services across the UK and beyond.

Norse Atlantic UK, part of Norse Atlantic Airways, is a cutting-edge long-haul airline offering affordable transatlantic flights with a focus on sustainability and quality. Operating the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from London Gatwick, Norse provides a dynamic and rewarding career path for pilots in wide-body international operations.

A Structured, Aspirational Path

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 ���Ĺ���. They will continue their flight training on a modern fleet of aircraft at Leading Edge’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. We’re also proud to be recruiting from the first-class Leading Edge Airline Preparation programme (LEAP), which we’re confident will give us a source of high-calibre First Officers for the future.”��

This collaboration provides not only a seamless progression from training to career but also reflects the shared values of all three partners: commitment to safety, sustainability, innovation in training, and creating high-quality opportunities for the next generation of airline pilots.

������ is proud to support Aurigny and Norse Atlantic UK in building a sustainable pipeline of skilled, well-prepared pilots to meet the future demands of the global aviation industry.

���Ĺ��� is delighted to be selected as a launch Approved Training Organisation (ATO) for Jet2.com’s Jet2FlightPath programme, a groundbreaking, fully funded pilot training programme designed to make commercial pilot careers accessible to up to 60 exceptional aspiring aviators in its first year.

This landmark partnership between Jet2.com and ���Ĺ��� marks a major step forward in democratising pilot training. By removing the significant financial barrier, typically over £100,000, the Jet2FlightPath programme offers successful candidates the opportunity to train as professional pilots without the burden of self-funding.

Applications for Jet2FlightPath open today. Full details, including eligibility and application instructions, are available .

The programme has been carefully developed to attract the highest calibre of aspiring pilots and to support Jet2.com’s continued growth as one of the UK’s leading leisure airlines. With inclusivity at its heart, Jet2FlightPath removes traditional barriers to entry and is open to candidates from all backgrounds, subject to entry criteria that include five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including Maths, English and a Science subject).

Successful applicants will undertake an 18-month fully funded Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) course at one of Jet2.com’s partner training locations in the UK or Spain, starting later this year. After completing their ATPL training, candidates will progress to Type Rating training on either Airbus or Boeing aircraft before joining Jet2.com’s growing team of professional pilots.

As part of Jet2FlightPath, trainees will gain early insight into the values and operations of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, with exposure to customer-facing roles such as Cabin Crew and Ground Operations. This immersive approach reflects the airline’s award-winning culture, which has earned it a Which? Recommended Provider status for ten consecutive years.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said:

“The launch of this brand-new and fully funded pilot training programme is momentous news for Jet2.com and for aspiring pilots. We know that the cost of training is an obstacle to many people who dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot, so we are very proud to announce this groundbreaking programme which will help us make that dream become a reality for many, including those who may have thought that the opportunity was beyond their means. By opening this incredible opportunity up to so many people from so many backgrounds, we expect the programme to be extremely popular, so we look forward to receiving applications and helping many wonderful flying careers take off.”

������ CEO, Andy McFarlane added:

“We are delighted to be a launch flight academy for the Jet2FlightPath programme. A fantastic initiative that will give prospective pilots, who have the aptitude and attitude but not the financial ability, the opportunity to realise their dream and become an airline pilot. At Jet2.com and ���Ĺ���, our company values are closely aligned, and we are looking forward to collaboratively delivering this innovative programme.”

With Jet2.com projected to operate a fleet of up to 135 aircraft from 13 UK bases in Summer 2025, this partnership represents a bold investment in the future of commercial aviation. As the chosen ATO to lead this groundbreaking initiative, ������ reaffirms its position as a pioneering force in the pilot training landscape.

Wings for Warriors, the UK-based charity dedicated to transforming the lives of wounded, injured and sick veterans through commercial pilot training, is proud to announce a new collaboration with��������, a forward-thinking and innovative ATO based at Oxford Airport.

This exciting partnership,��launched in conjunction with��WATS 2025��where Wings for Warriors is the official charity partner, will see ���Ĺ��� step into the role of��‘Bigger Brother’��to the growing Wings for Warriors flight training programme.

As part of this collaboration, ������ will assist Wings for Warriors on its��Ab Initio journey, guiding the charity as it develops its own ATO capability. Leading Edge will also��deliver multi-engine training��to Wings for Warriors students and has generously committed to��donating six APS MCC courses annually, significantly supporting the final stages of pilot training and airline readiness.

The first Wings for Warriors student is already scheduled to attend their APS MCC course at Leading Edge on��14th April.

Dave Alexander, Chief Operations Officer at ������, expressed excitement about the partnership:

“We’re incredibly proud to support Wings for Warriors. Their mission is not only inspiring, but truly impactful – and we’re honoured to play a part in shaping the next generation of pilots through this partnership.”

Mark Radcliffe, Founder of Wings for Warriors, added:

“This collaboration with ���Ĺ��� is a game-changer. Their operational excellence, deep training expertise, and generosity will allow us to take the next big step in supporting veterans through to airline readiness. We’re grateful for their belief in our vision — and we’re excited to work together to make it a reality.”

As Wings for Warriors continues to scale its model of training wounded veterans to become professional pilots — offering highly capable candidates to the airline sector at��50% of the commercial cost��— partnerships like this one are critical to building sustainable, high-quality pathways into aviation careers.

Our Academy (LEAL) is proud to announce their exclusive recruitment partnership with Titan Airways for 2025. Through this collaboration, Titan Airways will recruit graduate pilots directly from ���Ĺ���, reinforcing the strong relationship between the two organisations. This initiative highlights Titan Airways’ commitment to sourcing top talent and provides an exceptional career opportunity for Leading Edge graduate pilots.

Captain David Cox, Director of Flight Operations at Titan Airways shared his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“We at Titan Airways are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Leading Edge into another year.�� The cadets who have joined us in previous years have all excelled and now fly the line on either our A320 or A330 fleets.�� Their maturity, resilience, professionalism and determination to achieve high standards are not only a tribute to them as individuals but are also a reflection of the high-quality training that they have received whilst at Leading Edge.”

The selected graduate pilots will benefit from a clearly defined career progression, beginning their journey as First Officers on the A320, with a planned transition to A330 operations from their third year of employment. This career pathway provides exposure to a diverse range of flying experiences with Titan Airways and its prestigious client base, enabling fast-paced career advancement.

Highlighting the impact this opportunity has on Leading Edge graduates, Alistair Smith, Head of Graduate Services at ������, stated:

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome the Titan Airways team back to Leading Edge. The opportunities that they offer our student pilots is unparalleled, and I know that each of the successful pilots will have an exciting career ahead of them.”

At Titan Airways, every day offers something unique and exciting. From executing VIP private charters and landing on Antarctic ice to hosting exclusive in-flight concerts and providing aircraft leasing solutions within an hour’s notice. With such diverse and prestigious flying experiences, it’s a career that promises constant challenge and reward.

Reflecting on the long-standing relationship between the two organisations and the benefits this partnership brings to aspiring pilots, ������ CEO Andy McFarlane added:

“We are incredibly excited to strengthen our partnership with Titan Airways. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to excellence in aviation training and career development. Together, we are providing aspiring pilots with unique opportunities to grow and thrive in this prestigious industry. We look forward to building on this relationship and achieving even greater successes in the years ahead.”

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