Skyborne invests in leadership to support pilot demand
A flight school founded in Gloucestershire which is now a market leaders training pilots for some of the world's biggest airlines has made three promotions as its growth continues.
Skyborne, which describes itself as one of the world’s leading airline pilot training academies, is strengthening its leadership team by announcing three internal senior appointments.
Neill Evans has become head of training at the Staverton-headquartered firm, Matt Yemm is now deputy head of training and Carrie Stringer is head of customer support.
Lee Woodward, founder and chief executive officer of Skyborne, which trains pilots from many of the world’s biggest airlines, said: “Skyborne is trusted worldwide to train the next generation of airline pilots, and our senior team play a critical role in generating a strong pilot pipeline.
“Neill, Matt and Carrie are genuine, passionate leaders, and I am confident they will continue helping our trainees reach their full potential.”
Evans and Yemm will oversee the delivery of flight training across Skyborne’s Gloucestershire and Bournemouth Airport sites.
Evans has more than 20 years in aviation training and air traffic services and is a highly experienced UK CAA and EASA senior examiner.
Yemm has a decade of experience as a flight instructor and first officer and began his career as a warfare officer in the Royal Navy. His background strengthens Skyborne’s professional pilot pathways, preparing trainees for a successful airline career.
Stringer will oversee trainee satisfaction and support processes for Skyborne across the US, UK, and India. A Royal Air Force veteran, she has spent the last six years at the academy, building extensive knowledge of Skyborne’s training operations, relationship management and business development.
Woodward adds: “We’re continuing to grow our global footprint but we’re not stopping there. We continually invest in our people, trainees and facilities, and that’s why 95 per cent of Skyborne pilots are in airline employment today.”
Skyborne graduates go on to fly for airline partners worldwide including British Airways, easyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair, Envoy Air, SkyWest Airlines and IndiGo.
This press release was sent to The Raikes Journal by the 80:20 Communications on 20 July 2026.
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