UK Regional Carrier Inducts New Cadets to Abinitio Pilot Program in 2025

Channel Islands / United Kingdom – Aurigny, the national airline of Guernsey, has welcomed its first cohort of six cadets through a new career pathway established in partnership with Leading Edge Aviation and Norse Atlantic Airways. The programme provides a fast-tracked progression from regional flying to long-haul operations, positioning cadets for early advancement in their airline careers.

• Six cadets officially joined Aurigny’s pilot programme, following completion of their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) through the Leading Edge Airline Preparation (LEAP) programme
• The scheme offers a direct pathway from ATR72-600 operations at Aurigny to Boeing 787 long-haul flying with Norse Atlantic
• Cadets will first operate as First Officers on Aurigny’s Guernsey network, gaining experience in challenging island flying conditions
• The partnership accelerates the traditional career timeline by offering long-haul opportunities up to three years earlier than standard airline pathways
• This initiative aims to secure a sustainable source of locally-based, highly trained flight crew for Aurigny while offering accelerated career progression for cadets
• The programme is a collaborative effort between Aurigny, Norse Atlantic, and Leading Edge Aviation
• In August 2025, Leading Edge Aviation announced a historic partnership with Aurigny and Norse Atlantic UK

Statements

• “To get to a Dreamliner, or any other long-haul aircraft, can take five or six years with most airlines… with this programme, these cadets are as much as three years ahead of everyone else.” – Andy Mc Farlane, CEO, Leading Edge Aviation
• “What sets Aurigny's collaborative scheme apart as a truly unique career pathway is how the training takes pilots all the way from ATR72-600 to Boeing 787.” – Aurigny Spokesperson
• “It ensures a long-term, high-quality source of flight crew for our island's air services while helping to inspire the next generation of pilots.” – Philip Smallwood, COO, Aurigny
• “I think the opportunity to develop my skills as a pilot, flying in the challenging conditions in Guernsey...is perfect for me.” – Kian Le Mottee, cadet

Source: Local media