Market Intelligence: -Airline Hiring

Flight Training Group Leading Edge Aviation Welcomes New & Exclusive Partners, Aurigny and Norse Atlantic UK

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:

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

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Philippines – Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has highlighted the latest intake of its cadet pilot trainees, who are now headed to Cebu for the next phase of their flight training journey.

In June Cebu Pacific celebrated a successful first year of the new domestic Cebu Pacific Air Cadet Pilot Program 2.0 in partnership with Airworks Aviation Academy proudly marking the release of three cadet batches and a total of 57 first solo flights.

In June 2024 Cebu Pacific (CEB), the fast growing Philippines based low-cost carrier operating over 80 aircraft, announced that it was partnering with Philippines based flight training organisation Airworks Aviation for its Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program. The program is currently the only airline in the country offering this program, giving aspiring pilots high-quality training experience, mentorship, and guaranteed employment path with the airline. Over a five-year period, CEB will deploy a total of 240–300 Cadet Pilots to Airworks.

The 96 week program will see aspiring pilots get their Commercial Pilot License with Instrument Rating as well as a type rating on either Airbus A320 or ATR72-600.

Source: Cebu Pacific

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Emirates to Host Pilot Roadshow in Canada in September 2025

Canada – Emirates Airline’s Pilot Recruitment Team is set to visit Canada in early September as part of its expansive global roadshow designed to attract experienced pilots to fuel its continuing fleet and operational expansion.

  • Emirates will host pilot information sessions in the below cities – multiple events per city offering both morning and afternoon time slots:

    • Montreal (Sep 9–10)

    • Calgary (Sep 11–12)

    • Toronto (Sep 14–15)

  • Designed for pilots interested in roles such as Direct Entry Captain, Accelerated Command, and First Officer—both type-rated and non-type-rated—sessions include live insights from current Emirates pilots.

  • The roadshow forms part of Emirates’ broader 2025 expansion strategy, which includes plans to recruit over 550 pilots this year, with more than 1,500 pilots expected to join by 2026.

  • Since early 2022, nearly 2,000 new pilots have joined Emirates, contributing to the all-wide-body pilot crew complement approaching 4,600 aviators.

Source: Emirates

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US LCC Southwest Airlines Seeks Director of Flight Operations – Future Crew Planning in 20225

USA – Southwest Airlines is recruiting for a Director of Flight Operations – Future Crew Planning. See the job description below;

“As Director of Flight Operations Future Crew Planning, you’ll lead the strategic development of medium- and long-range plans that ensure our Pilot workforce and training resources are aligned with Southwest’s operational and growth goals. You’ll oversee Crew Scheduling strategies, staffing forecasts, and training center allocation – all months in advance of operations, while also conducting efficiency studies that support network design, Crew recovery, and Labor Relations. Acting as a key liaison between the company and the union, you’ll help shape work rules and resolve planning-related challenges. This role plays a vital part in connecting Flight Operations to the broader success of Southwest Airlines—ensuring our flights are reliably staffed, our Pilots are well-supported, and our operation is ready for the future.

Additional details

  • The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX Headquarters facility during business hours.
  • U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborates with Network Planning and the Commercial Teams on future initiatives and development of operationally viable flight schedules
  • Leads and develops the Manager Crew Resource Planning and Intermediate Crew Planning team for efficient allocation of Pilot and Training Center resources and crew schedules that comply with all FAR regulations, contractual rules, scheduling policy, and Pilot quality criteria
  • Acts as a supporting member to Labor Relations including being on the Company Negotiating Teams responsible for negotiating the Pilot contract and negotiates changes to the contract in areas regarding Training, Crew Scheduling, and Crew Planning
  • Acts as a liaison between the Company and Union for Crew Planning related matters, directs research, and represents the Company in resolution of contractual and procedural questions or disputes
  • Identifies deficiencies with current practices and develops working plans to correct deficiencies
  • Oversees the development of schedule construction for 3-9 months out from operation and sets schedule construction and optimization strategy
  • Oversees staffing plans for hiring, Captain upgrades, base staffing, and vacation. Includes all supporting research and documentation
  • Oversees the development of Training resource plans for simulators, instructors, check Pilots, classrooms, and other flight training devices
  • Partners with Ops. Performance and Finance on company-wide programs, costing, and other ad-hoc projects
  • Acts as the direct Leader over Crew Research & Design Initiatives
  • Drives constant improvement in the Crew Staffing process including the exploration of new metrics and the development of new models
  • Represents the Crew Planning Team at all levels of the organization and fulfills information requests from other departments
  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to work well with others as part of a Team
  • Ability to work closely with the Crew Planning and Training Scheduling Teams to identify planning variances and issues
  • Ability to coordinate with Flight Ops Training Leadership to determine future training resource needs
  • Skilled in comprehension of written documents including federal regulations, labor contracts, and company material
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions; learn, understand and follow office policies and procedures
  • Skilled in the creation and conduction of Crew Staffing and Training presentations to Executive Leadership, Union, and other groups
  • Skilled in using judgment sufficient to handle and resolve complex tasks including many situations that involve conflict resolution
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Business Intelligence tools, databases, and optimization tools
  • Knowledge of SQL
  • Ability to negotiate complex work rules and manage conflict effectively in an expert manner

Education

  • Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

  • Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
  • Advanced level Business Acumen in functional area
  • Seasoned and specialized knowledge in:
    • Advanced analytics that includes spreadsheet design
    • SQL
    • Data visualization experience
    • Labor Relations and Contract Negotiation
    • Crew Resource Planning
    • Crew Planning or similar airline network planning experience
    • Airline Optimization programs

Licensing/Certification

  • N/A

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $180,350 per year to $200,400 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.”

For more information on the role and to apply navigate here.

Source: Southwest Airlines

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Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne Celebrates 29 Graduates Securing Positions with easyJet in July 2025

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Source: Skyborne

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