Philippine Airlines Sends First Cadet Pilots to Australia’s Airways Aviation in 2025

Philippines & Australia – Philippine Airlines (PAL) Aviation School, relaunched in early 2025 through a strategic partnership with Airways Aviation, has formally deployed 14 cadet pilots from its AO Class 2025 Alpha to Australia for advanced flight training, in alignment with the flag carrier’s expanding fleet strategy.

  • A send-off ceremony was held on September 28, 2025, at the Lucio K. Tan, Jr. Center, attended by PAL officials and cadets’ families, marking the first international deployment under the renewed PAL-Airways Aviation collaboration.

  • After completing their initial theoretical coursework in the Philippines, the cadets will proceed to Airways Aviation’s Gold Coast campus in Australia to undergo practical flight training.

  • PAL Senior Vice President – Operations Group, Capt. Roland Narciso, reaffirmed the school’s legacy and commitment to high training standards, highlighting the added value brought by the partnership with Airways Aviation.

  • The PAL Aviation School, established in the 1960s, has trained over 1,000 pilots, serving as a key talent pipeline for both PAL and the broader Philippine aviation sector.

  • The relaunch and cadet deployment support PAL’s fleet expansion plan, which includes the delivery of nine Airbus A350-1000s (2025–2028) and thirteen Airbus A321neos starting in 2026.

Statements

  • “Through the halls of the PAL Aviation School pass the best and brightest pilots who continue to uphold the principles of discipline, professionalism, and commitment to duty. “The PAL Aviation School maintains the highest standards of pilot training, equipping future aviators with the knowledge and skills necessary for commercial flight. Our partnership with Airways Aviation provides a strong foundation through innovative programs and state-of-the-art facilities.” — Capt. Roland Narciso

Source: Philippine Airlines
Photo Credit: Philippine Airlines

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Epic Flight Academy Opens 10th FAA Part 141 Flight Training Campus – Announces Pilot Pathway Program with Alpine Air Express

Utah, USA – Epic Flight Academy, the nation’s largest FAA Part 141 flight school, proudly announces the opening of its newest flight training campus, located at Provo Airport in Utah. The company held a grand opening of its 10th flight training school on Saturday, October 4, 2025. During the event, representatives from Epic and Alpine Air Express, a Utah-based FAA Part 135 cargo carrier, jointly announced their newly established Pilot Pathway Program.

This strategic expansion strengthens Epic’s nationwide network and underscores Epic’s commitment to providing aspiring pilots with world-class training, which directly supports the increasing needs of airlines. The new Provo campus serves a pivotal role in Epic’s Pilot Pathway Program with Alpine Air Express. Through this partnership, Epic graduates who meet eligibility requirements are offered an interview with Alpine Air, creating a direct bridge from flight school to the flight deck.

“Epic has always focused on creating clear career pathways for our students,” said Danny Perna, founder and CEO of Epic Flight Academy. “With this new Provo campus, we’re not only expanding access to world-class flight training, but also strengthening our relationship with Alpine Air Express to ensure our graduates have a fast, reliable, and supported route into professional aviation careers. This collaboration extends to Epic’s aircraft mechanic graduates as well.”

Shawn Reeves, Director of Operations at Alpine Air Express, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “Alpine Air Express is proud to partner with Epic Flight Academy to provide graduates with a clear and reliable pathway into aviation careers,” said Reeves. “From pilot training to maintenance opportunities, Epic students can transition into one of the largest Part 135 cargo operations in the country, supported by mentorship, structured pay, and defined career growth.”

About the Program

The Epic–Alpine Pilot Pathway Program:

  • Offers qualified Epic graduate an interview with Alpine Air Express.
  • Prepares candidates for Alpine’s interview and hiring process.
  • Offers straightforward pay and upgrade pathway.
  • Provides mentorships after the conditional job offer.

In 2025, Epic Flight Academy opened 5 new flight training campuses in Addison, TX; Englewood, CO; St. George, UT; Tuscaloosa, AL; and Provo, UT. Epic’s other pilot schools are in New Smyrna Beach, FL; Ocala, FL; Tallahassee, FL; Jacksonville, FL; and Tucson, AZ. Epic’s aircraft mechanic schools are in New Smyrna Beach, FL and Erlanger, KY at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

By aligning training with hiring pathways, Epic and Alpine are helping meet the growing demand for highly qualified aviation professionals.

About Epic Flight Academy
Founded in 1999, Epic Flight Academy is the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the United States. With multiple training locations, including two FAA Part 147 aircraft mechanic schools, Epic specializes in advanced aviation education. Epic graduates are employed at airlines around the world, supported by career-focused programs.

About Alpine Air Express
Headquartered in Provo, Utah, Alpine Air Express is a leading Part 135 cargo carrier operating nationwide with a large fleet of Beechcraft aircraft, including Beech 1900D, Beech 1900C, and Beech 99 aircraft. Alpine provides reliable air cargo services while offering aviation professionals competitive career opportunities.

Source: Epic Flight Academy

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