Aurigny looks to address pilot recruitment challenge by offering them a pathway to flying jets
- Aurigny has partnered with Norse Atlantic UK to create a career pathway for First Officers.
- The initiative aims to strengthen Guernsey’s aviation sector and ensure a sustainable pipeline of pilots.
- Aurigny pilots will initially operate ATR72-600 turboprops before transitioning to Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
- The partnership aims to enhance career opportunities for aspiring pilots.
- Executives from both airlines expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration.
Aurigny has announced a new partnership with Norse Atlantic UK, aimed at establishing a unique career pathway for its First Officers.
This collaboration is designed to strengthen Guernsey’s role in the aviation sector while ensuring a sustainable pipeline of talented pilots for both airlines.
Under this initiative, Aurigny will serve as an official career partner, enabling talented First Officers to begin their flying careers operating ATR72-600 turboprops between Guernsey and various UK and European destinations.
After accumulating the necessary flight experience, these pilots will have opportunities to transition to flying Norse Atlantic's Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The strategic partnership not only strengthens Aurigny’s pool of talent but also addresses Norse Atlantic UK’s demand for a continuous influx of experienced, high-quality First Officers.
For pilots at Aurigny, this programme presents a unique opportunity to accelerate their career progression, moving from regional turboprop aircraft to long-haul, wide-body jets.
Philip Smallwood, Chief Operating Officer at Aurigny, said: “I am thrilled to be part of developing this exciting career pathway for Aurigny First Officers as well as future cadet entry pilots who are initially joining Aurigny and contribute to a vital service for our island community.”
He elaborated that as pilots continue to enhance their flying skills and gain experience, the pathway will enable them to “progress to flying one of the world’s newest and most iconic jet aircraft. Ultimately, this makes Aurigny a more appealing long-term career choice for aspiring aviators.”
David Thomas, SVP Operations and Accountable Manager at Norse Atlantic UK, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Aurigny to offer aspiring pilots an exciting pathway into the flight deck of our Boeing 787 Dreamliners through this program.”
There have been indications that more partnerships could also be formed in other parts of Aurigny’s operations.
Mr Smallwood has also cited innovative ways that Guernsey Air Traffic Control ensure they have sufficient controllers for the future.
A States Trading Group spokesperson said: “Guernsey Ports have been developing schemes which grow its in-house capability, such as within Air Traffic Control, where Air Traffic Controllers and Air Traffic Assistants are recruited locally where possible and subsequently trained and developed.
"Mr Smallwood was recently shown these schemes, and we understand he is keen to develop similar schemes within Aurigny.”
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