Skyborne to add second UK training base amid elevated demand
February 25, 2025
Pilot training provider Skyborne Airline Academy is to bolster its UK presence with a second base at Bournemouth Airport, augmenting its existing facilities at the UK’s Gloucestershire Airport and Florida’s Vero Beach.
“Our decision to invest in a new training centre reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality pilot training globally,” explained Skyborne UK commercial director Carla Booth. “With Bournemouth Airport home to airlines including TUI, Ryanair and Jet2, it will serve as a stable and strategic base for our airline programmes and future growth”.
The 14,000 sq ft Bournemouth facility will initially focus on ATPL ground school and multi-engine instrument ratings, “with further training modules and programmes to follow”. Skyborne CEO Lee Woodward added that “Bournemouth Airport’s bustling commercial environment will give [Skyborne] trainees invaluable experience, developing them into well-rounded, highly skilled pilots ready for today’s airline industry”.
Woodward first set up Skyborne in 2017, with its current UK base operating a fleet of twin-engine Diamond DA-42 and single-engine Zlin Z 424 L aircraft. As part of the UK CAA Integrated ATPL course, students also spend six months at Vero Beach, Florida (opened in May 2021), training on Skyborne’s fleet of over 50 Piper aircraft. Skyborne is also the officially recognised supplier for British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot academy, offering a direct path to the flight deck via annual fully-funded places.
