Gloucestershire Airport based Skyborne Aviation Group Limited has announced plans to purchase its first pilot training base in the United States.

Named 'Skyborne Airline Academy Vero Beach' due to its location in Florida's Vero Beach, the facility will open this spring and offer prospective pilots US FAA Part 141 approved training on a 13-month residential programme, as well as individual, part-time modules.

Within reach of 137 airports state-wide, the 10-acre base sits between Orlando and West Palm Beach and will offer approximately 320 flying days every year.

The academy will also serve as a fair-weather base for Skyborne's UK CAA Integrated ATPL programme, and welcome trainees from the Academy's IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme as they complete their US FAA 141 CPL SEIR plus ME flying.

With more than 200 recently renovated bedrooms, a swimming pool, soccer field, volleyball court, cafes and bookshops, Skyborne said its trainees will be able to enjoy a full campus experience.

Lee Woodward, chief executive officer, Skyborne Aviation Group Limited, said: "This is a great day for Skyborne as we expand our global training footprint. Skyborne Airline Academy Vero Beach will deliver a unique value proposition to the US pilot training market, and we'll soon share further information on our plans for this world-class facility.

"With decades of experience in training and education, and long-standing relationships with the world's leading airlines, our team of directors and staff are committed to attracting top US talent, building the number one flight training school in the country."