AELO Swiss Academy Welcomes First SWISS Cadet Cohort to Locarno as “Partnerflugschule der SWISS”

Switzerland - AELO Swiss Academy is proud to announce that the first cohort of six SWISS cadets has commenced flight training at its base at Locarno Airport (LSZL), marking the operational start of AELO’s cooperation with SWISS International Air Lines. The cadets are completing their flight training at AELO within the ZHAW aviation programme. Their arrival represents an important milestone for the academy, which is the first independent Approved Training Organisation (ATO) to become a “Partnerflugschule der SWISS” and to train SWISS cadets without forming part of the Lufthansa Group.

The appointment represents a significant endorsement of the quality of AELO’s training, instructors, facilities and operational standards, and recognises the academy’s ability to operate within the demanding training and quality framework expected by one of Europe’s leading airlines.

Under the cooperation, AELO is entrusted with delivering key elements of the cadets’ basic pilot training, including practical core flight training. SWISS maintains close oversight through training supervision, instructor standardisation, audits, performance monitoring and access to trainee records, ensuring that the programme remains aligned with the standards expected of future SWISS pilots.

Stefano Buratti, CEO and Head of Training of AELO Swiss Academy, said: “The start of our first SWISS cadet cohort is a historic milestone for AELO Swiss Academy. Becoming the first independent ATO to be recognised as a ‘Partnerflugschule der SWISS’ and entrusted with training SWISS cadets is a powerful testament to the quality of training we have built in Locarno.

This achievement reflects the dedication of our instructors, operations teams and everyone across AELO who works to maintain the highest possible training standards. The trust placed in us by SWISS carries significant responsibility, and we are committed to providing every cadet with the technical competence, discipline, professionalism and operational mindset required for a successful airline career.”

Training Future SWISS Pilots in Locarno

The SWISS cadets will complete their flight training at Locarno Airport (LSZL) in southern Switzerland. The location provides a diverse professional training environment, combining favourable flying conditions with varied terrain, airspace and operational conditions, supported by AELO’s modern training aircraft, classrooms and briefing facilities.

The training is aligned with the ZHAW academic calendar, combining the cadets’ university studies with structured practical pilot training. The cooperation also includes formal progress reporting, performance grading, instructor standardisation and coordination with the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).

Beyond technical flying skills, the programme places strong emphasis on the decision-making, situational awareness, communication, discipline and professional behaviours required in a modern airline cockpit.

A Milestone for AELO Swiss Academy

The start of SWISS cadet training represents an important step in AELO’s continued development as an airline-focused training organisation. Being selected as the first independent Partnerflugschule der SWISS demonstrates AELO’s ability to work directly with leading European airlines and aviation institutions while maintaining its independence as an Approved Training Organisation.

As the first six cadets progress through their training in Locarno, AELO looks forward to supporting them on their journey towards the flight deck and to contributing to the development of future generations of SWISS pilots.

About AELO Swiss Academy
AELO Swiss Academy, operated by Aero Locarno, is a Swiss Approved Training Organisation based at Locarno Airport. The academy provides professional pilot training for aspiring commercial pilots and airline cadets, combining practical flight training, theoretical instruction, simulator training and comprehensive student support. With a strong focus on safety, operational discipline and airline-oriented training, AELO is committed to preparing the next generation of professional pilots for careers in commercial aviation.

Source: AELO Swiss Academy