Staverton based Skyborne Airline Academy trainees will now be able to complete an undergraduate honours degree during their pilot studies, thanks to a new partnership with the University of West London (UWL).

The fully integrated degree provides students with the opportunity to complete a BSc (Hons) in Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training at the same time as their Skyborne EASA/UKCAA Integrated or Combined Modular ATPL programme (MEP, CPL, IR and APS MCC).

They will also be able to apply for student loan funding and a £9k 'Aviator Bursary', subject to eligibility.

Lee Woodward, chief executive officer, Skyborne, said: "Through this degree partnership, Skyborne graduates will leave us to begin their career as a commercial pilot, equipped with additional management and business skills to support their future.

"At Skyborne we are passionate about removing the financial barriers to pilot training and improving the career prospects of both our Integrated and Combined Modular ATPL trainees. The UWL degree programme will help our graduates stand out from their peers and distinguish themselves in a competitive market."

Skyborne add that in recognition of the depth and quality of the firm's Integrated and Combined Modular ATPL programmes, the University of West London will apply academic credit to the course, with students writing a dissertation and undertaking additional modules of study including: 'The Aviation Experience', 'Research Methods' and 'Management of Risk and Sustainable Aviation'.

James Edmunds, dean of London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism, University of West London, said: "Today's graduates achieve the most success when they can develop both academic and practical skills, keeping up with the demands of dynamic industries such as aviation.

"That's why we're delighted to work with Skyborne, an organisation that shares our passion for delivering a high-quality learning experience, providing our students with a toolkit for the world of work."