On Friday the 17th April, a Gala Dinner was held at the Museo de la Atalaya, a beautifully renovated classic 19th century venue, to celebrate the graduation of Courses 135 and 136, featuring Aer Lingus and British Airways cadets and self-sponsored students.
Captain John Kelly, Director of Flight Operations at Aer Lingus, attended the ceremony as FTEJerez’s guest of honour. In his speech he highlighted the role the graduates will play as the future of commercial aviation. Other guests from Aer Lingus included Captains Garrett Taylor, Flight Operations Interviewer, Captain Mick Landy, Manager Training & Standards and Captain Declan Donoghue, Cadet Liaison Pilot.
On behalf of BA, Senior First Officer Andre Calleja, Assistant Manager Pilot Recruitment, and Senior First Officer Martin Fisher, Cadet Liaison Pilot, attended the ceremony and accompanied the BA Future Pilot Programme cadets graduating on this special occasion. Last but not least, FTEJerez was also honoured to welcome former British Airways Chief Pilot for Concorde, Captain Mike Bannister, who presented the trophy for the Best Overall Student.
Both Captain Kelly and Captain Bannister made special mention of the huge effort the graduates had made with their training. Special reference was also made about the importance of families in supporting the cadets’ professional flight training endeavours.
The FTEJerez staff congratulate the latest graduates and wish them all the best as they commence their exciting careers.
