Leading Edge Aviation hosted a glittering graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 on Thursday, 15th May, beneath the wings of the iconic Concorde at Aerospace Bristol. The evening celebrated the achievement, ambition, and aviation excellence of 74 graduates, who took centre stage before an audience of nearly 300 guests. Proud family, friends, instructors, and industry leaders; including representatives from TUI, British Airways, Jet2.com, Wizz Air, Titan Airways, Aurigny, and Loganair, gathered to honour their success and bright futures in aviation.
Guests were welcomed with a sparkling Prosecco reception, set to the smooth sounds of a live three-piece jazz quartet, setting the tone for an elegant and unforgettable evening. Each graduate was presented with an embossed folder containing their certificate, accompanied by a photograph capturing a moment from their journey at Leading Edge Aviation.
Captain Paul Hurst, Head of Flight Operations at TUI and Guest of Honour, shared his reflections:
“It was a real privilege to be part of such a significant moment in these graduates’ careers. The calibre of talent coming through from Leading Edge Aviation is genuinely impressive, not just in terms of technical skill, but in attitude, professionalism, and a clear passion for aviation. These are the future leaders of our industry, and I look forward to seeing many of them in airline flight decks very soon.”
Andy McFarlane, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation, also addressed the audience:
“Today is a truly special moment that celebrates the talent, perseverance, and dedication our students have shown throughout their training. We couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come. Their success speaks volumes about their character and the high standards we uphold within our Whole Pilot® approach. We’re excited to see them take the next step and thrive in their new roles.”
The ceremony also honoured four outstanding individuals with prestigious awards, each symbolised by an engraved globe trophy recognising their excellence, dedication, and resilience throughout their time at Leading Edge Aviation:
- Best in Ground School: Adam Ferguson, for his academic brilliance and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
- Best in Flight Training: Petra Gilbert, recognised for her resilience, precision, and calm adaptability in the skies.
- Exceptional Contribution to Academy Life & Sword of Honour: Christopher Deans, honoured for his unfailing positivity and embodiment of Leading Edge Aviation’s core values.
- Graduate of the Year: Roman Kastelijn, who also delivered a heartfelt student address, celebrated for his professionalism, passion, and consistently exceptional performance.
Moira McQuaid, last year’s recipient and now a Second Officer with easyJet, presented the Sword of Honour to Christopher Deans, passing the torch from one exceptional aviator to the next. Christopher also received an engraved ceremonial sword provided by Pooley’s Flight Equipment, as a keepsake of his contribution to academy life.
With over 80% of this year’s graduates already in airline employment, Leading Edge Aviation continues to set the benchmark for the next generation of commercial pilots; confident, capable, and prepared to lead in a dynamic industry.
