24 August 2025
Start your airline pilot career on short haul then, with a couple of years under your belt, progress to long haul. Sounds perfect and that’s just what’s on offer with a new opportunity at Oxford-based training provider Leading Edge Aviation.
A partnership between Aurigny and Norse Atlantic UK has launched a new, fully integrated pilot pathway to the commercial flight deck with training supplied by Leading Edge.
It provides students with a defined career path, from initial training through to becoming a long-haul pilot.
The process begins with flight training at Leading Edge Aviation before progressing to flying an ATR 72 with Aurigny, and ultimately, transitioning to a long-haul operation, flying a 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.”
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 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.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Norse Atlantic. Photo: Norse
Norse Atlantic UK, part of Norse Atlantic Airways, is a long-haul airline offering transatlantic flights. Operating the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from London Gatwick, Norse provides a career path for pilots in wide-body international operations.
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 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 operational experience flying regional routes. Following approximately two years of service, these pilots will progress to Norse Atlantic UK, operating B787 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.”
