United Kingdom – headquartered flight training group Leading Edge Aviation, which operates flight training bases in the UK and Spain, 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 with 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 Leading Edge Aviation 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 Leading Edge Aviation. “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 

Leading Edge 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 Leading Edge Aviation. 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.

Leading Edge Aviation 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.

About Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation is a firmly established pilot training academy with a fresh approach and an emphasis on holistic training. Offering the highest standards of regulatory technical training, students also benefit from a comprehensive professional and personal development curriculum to enhance non-technical skills. This is delivered through ‘The Whole Pilot®’ Approach, which focuses on developing diverse abilities that go beyond just technical proficiency. Based at London Oxford Airport and Alhama, Southern Spain, and with a commitment to holistic pilot development, Leading Edge Aviation offers a range of modular and integrated training programmes, including the innovative LEAP (Leading Edge Airline Preparation) course—a full-time integrated course with BSc degree (UK only) and a comprehensive graduate airline selection preparation workshop. Facilities at both locations support a comprehensive educational experience, combining modern aircraft and simulators, advanced learning technologies, and a vibrant student living environment. Leading Edge also delivers modular training (including Ground School, MECPL, CBIR, MEIR, uMAP (university Modular Airline Preparation), A-UPRT (Advanced Upset Prevention Recovery Training), APC MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi Crew Co-operation) at its UK base in Oxford. 

Source: Leading Edge Aviation