Market Intelligence: -Airline Hiring

London, United Kingdom –  Leading Edge Aviation 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 Leading Edge Aviation 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.

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.”

Leading Edge Aviation 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 Leading Edge Aviation, 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, Leading Edge Aviation reaffirms its position as a pioneering force in the pilot training landscape.

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 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
Photo Credit: Leading Edge Aviation