Market Intelligence: -Flight School

UK Headquartered Flight Training Group, Leading Edge Aviation, Celebrates Record Growth in 2024

United Kingdom – Leading Edge Aviation Ltd. (LEAL), which operates flight training bases in the United Kingdom and Spain, proudly announces its latest achievements, underscoring a year of exceptional growth, strategic advancements, and an optimistic trajectory for the future.

  • Record-Breaking Growth in Student Enrolment
    LEAL experienced an extraordinary 52% increase in Integrated student enrolment over the past year, solidifying its status as a premier institution for aspiring pilots. This remarkable growth reflects the increasing global demand for high-quality aviation training and the confidence that students and their families place in LEAL’s programmes.
  • Major Investments in Fleet and Facilities
    To accommodate its expanding student base and maintain its commitment to excellence, LEAL has significantly upgraded its aircraft fleet and training facilities. These enhancements provide students with access to cutting-edge resources, creating an environment that fosters innovation and exceptional learning experiences.
  • Strategic Expansion in Spain
    Aligned with its strategic vision, LEAL is set to expand its operations in Spain, a critical hub for the aviation industry. This initiative strengthens LEAL’s presence in Europe, enabling it to serve a wider spectrum of students and airline partners while reinforcing its global influence.
  • Elevated Collaboration with Airline Partners
    LEAL’s reputation for producing top-tier graduates continues to attract strong interest from airline partners. These partnerships affirm the academy’s dedication to providing direct career pathways for its students. Notably, an impressive 92% of the Class of 2024 have already secured their dream First Officer roles, a testament to LEAL’s industry-leading training standards.
  • Imminent Arrival of the Elixir Aircraft
    A groundbreaking addition to LEAL’s fleet, the cutting-edge Elixir aircraft, is set to arrive next week. This state-of-the-art aircraft will enhance training efficiency and environmental sustainability, marking a new era in advanced aviation education.

Optimistic Outlook for 2025
With robust enrolment, enhanced training infrastructure, and strong partnerships, LEAL is well-positioned for sustained success during 2025. These developments signal a bright future for the academy and its graduates.

“We are thrilled to share these outstanding results, which reflect our dedication to excellence and our strategic vision for growth,” said Andy McFarlane, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation. “As we move forward, our focus remains on innovation, student success, and industry collaboration. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”

About Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation is a rapidly expanding 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.  

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

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European Pilot Training Organization AFTA Celebrates Milestones in Training and Partnerships as It Enters 30th Year

Cork, Ireland – Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025, following a highly successful 2024.

Key Highlights from 2024:

  • Fleet Expansion:
    • Introduced a state-of-the-art Boeing 737 Max simulator and the Slingsby T67, enhancing training capabilities.
  • Strengthened Airline Partnerships:
    • Ryanair: Renewed partnership with the launch of the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy, where 60 mentored graduates joined the airline.
    • VistaJet: Saw the first mentored graduates transition from Flight Instructor roles at AFTA to careers with the global private aviation leader.
    • ASL Airlines Ireland: Renewed partnership with the first group of graduates starting roles in March 2025.
    • Air Astana: Continued partnership with new cadets joining and graduates moving into their roles.
  • Collaboration with Munster Technological University (MTU):
    • Welcomed 20 students into the BSc (Hons) in Global Business and Pilot Studies program.
  • Graduate Success:
    • 2024 graduates secured roles with leading airlines, including CityJet, Jet2, Emerald Airlines, Aer Lingus, Flexjet, and Brussels Airlines.
  • Outreach and Inspiration:
    • Hosted career days across Ireland and participated in events in France, the UK, and Germany, engaging with thousands of aspiring pilots.

Source: Atlantic Flight Training Academy
Photo Credit: Atlantic Flight Training Academy

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Philippines LCC Cebu Pacific and Airworks Aviation Academy Launch 4th Cadet Pilot Training Batch

Mactan, Philippines – Cebu Pacific, in partnership with Airworks Aviation Academy, has opened applications for the fourth batch of cadet pilots under its flagship training program. This initiative offers aspiring aviators a direct pathway to becoming first officers at the Philippines’ largest carrier.

  • The program provides rigorous pilot training, covering technical, operational, and leadership skills.
  • Two cadet pilot batches are currently in training, with the third batch set to commence in March 2025.
  • The fourth batch is now accepting applications for individuals passionate about aviation, including those with no prior flying experience.
  • Graduates are guaranteed employment as first officers at Cebu Pacific, ensuring a seamless transition to commercial aviation careers.

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: Airworks Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Cebu Pacific

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