Oxford, United Kingdom – Leading Edge Aviation, which operates flight training bases in the United Kingdom and Spain, is thrilled to announce an innovative partnership with TUI Airline to launch a groundbreaking tagging scheme designed to provide student pilots with a clear, structured pathway to employment through conditional job offers.

Leading Edge Aviation, a trailblazer in flight training, is the first UK-based academy to collaborate with TUI on this pioneering tagging scheme, offering students an exciting new route into the aviation industry.

Through this scheme, TUI will identify talented student pilots at Leading Edge by assessing their performance through interviews, evaluations, and theoretical examinations. The airline’s UK pilot recruitment team will conduct testing and interviews to select students who demonstrate exceptional potential. Once “tagged,” these students will receive a conditional employment offer from TUI, contingent upon meeting specific milestones throughout their training

Kathryn Cleaver, TUI Pilot Manager, commented: “This initiative allows us to identify and nurture top talent early in their training, giving students the confidence and clarity they need to transition into professional flying careers. Leading Edge students are known for their exceptional dedication and potential, and we are excited to offer them the opportunity to launch their careers with TUI. We are committed to the development of graduate pilots, and we look forward to welcoming our first candidates in the summer of 2026.”

Andy McFarlane, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation, said: “At Leading Edge, we are passionate about providing our students with the best possible foundation for a long and successful career in aviation. Our partnership with TUI aligns with our ‘Whole Pilot’ training philosophy and reflects our mutual commitment to supporting the next generation of pilots through structured career pathways. This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity for our students to begin their careers with a globally respected airline.”

This partnership underscores the shared goal of TUI and Leading Edge to cultivate new talent in the aviation sector and address the industry’s growing need for skilled pilots. The tagging scheme offers aspiring pilots the assurance that their dedication and hard work will lead to clear career opportunities with one of the world’s most respected airlines.

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