Investment will support continued capacity growth at Skyborne’s U.S. and UK training facilities
Skyborne is today announcing the securing of a significant investment from Excolere Equity Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity group.
The strategic investment builds on Skyborne’s success, providing additional resources to accelerate future expansion, strengthen its global airline relationships, and continue to invest in the student experience. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, says: “This partnership with Excolere marks a significant milestone in Skyborne’s growth. As we continue to develop professional airline pilots equipped with the skills and operational focus to lead the aviation industry, we do so with an investor that shares our passion for education and progress. I am extremely proud of the achievements of our people, and as we scale, we remain committed to deliver the very best for our airline partners, our students, and the communities that we serve.”
Founded in 2017, Skyborne trains commercial airline pilots in Vero Beach, Florida, U.S., and Gloucestershire and Bournemouth Airports in the UK. The academy will continue to operate under the Skyborne brand, led by its existing management team. There are no planned changes to day-to-day operations, airline partnerships, or student programs.
“We are excited to support Skyborne’s next chapter of growth as it develops exceptional pilots, expands career opportunities for aspiring aviators, and helps strengthen the future of aviation,” said Tony Miller, Managing Partner of Excolere Equity Partners. Marcelus DeCoulode, Excolere Partner, added, “Skyborne has built an outstanding reputation as a leader in professional pilot training. We are privileged to work alongside Lee and the broader management team as we build on that foundation and continue delivering best-in-class outcomes for future commercial airline pilots.”
Skyborne holds long-standing partnerships with airlines including IndiGo, easyJet and Ryanair, with 95% of its graduates in airline employment today. Driven to remove the financial barriers to pilot training, the academy also offers fully-funded places to students in the UK as part of British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy and the Jet2FlightPath.
In the U.S., Skyborne offers funding solutions for aspiring pilots through its partnerships with Sallie Mae and Stratus Financial and is one of the first flight training schools to accept the 529 College Savings Plan.
About Skyborne Airline Academy
Skyborne is a world-leading airline pilot training academy, setting the highest standards in safety, quality and professionalism. Founded in 2017 by industry veteran Lee Woodward, the academy operates across the United Kingdom, the United States and India, with more than 400 staff and a fleet of over 60 aircraft.
Headquartered at Gloucestershire Airport with an additional base at Bournemouth Airport, Skyborne acquired FlightSafety Academy’s facility in Vero Beach, Florida, U.S., in 2021, where more than 28,000 commercial pilots have trained.
Now under the ownership of Excolere Equity Partners, Skyborne continues to develop highly skilled pilots, equipped with a deep knowledge of airline operations from day one. Skyborne holds UK CAA, US FAA, EASA and GCAA approval and offers structured pathways to the flight deck, including fully funded courses and tagging programmes with world’s leading airlines.
About Excolere Equity Partners
Excolere Equity Partners is a Los Angeles-based private equity group focused exclusively on the education and human capital management sectors. Drawing on decades of combined sector experience and a network of industry leaders, operating executives, and public policy professionals, Excolere partners with management teams to sharpen strategy, strengthen operating capabilities, and accelerate growth.
