Skyborne and Stratus Financial are joining forces to expand access to pilot training in the US. Through this partnership, students can apply for up to $140,000 in financing, making aviation education more affordable and attainable. With the growing demand for pilots, this collaboration helps aspiring aviators take flight without financial barriers.
Source: Skyborne Airline Academy
Skyborne Partners With Stratus Financial to Break Down Barriers to Pilot Training in The US
Vero Beach, Florida, US – August 11, 2025: — Skyborne Airline Academy is today announcing a partnership with Stratus Financial to provide funding solutions and tailored support to aspiring pilots in the US.
Students based at Skyborne’s facility in Vero Beach, Florida, can apply for loans of up to $140,000 to cover the full cost or a portion of their chosen course, helping to make pilot training more attainable for people from all backgrounds.
Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne says: “We are firm advocates of removing barriers to entry for aspiring pilots. Students should not need to compromise on quality training due to cost, and our partnership with Stratus Financial ensures they can begin and complete their courses without delay. By providing funding solutions we will significantly increase the talent pool. We’re proud to be supplying the aviation industry with a strong pipeline of highly skilled, professional pilots”
Anthony Geraci, Co-CEO and co-founder, Stratus Financial, says: “At Stratus, we believe the right training combined with the right financial support creates unstoppable momentum and Skyborne’s dedication to producing airline-ready pilots makes it an ideal partner. We’re excited to help more students move from passion to profession with confidence.”
Brandon Martini, Co-CEO and co-founder, Stratus Financial, adds: “Skyborne Airline Academy sets a high standard for flight training, and we’re pleased to support the industry with flexible financing options. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to helping students take control of their future in aviation.”
Dedicated to making the journey to the flight deck more accessible, Skyborne is partnered with leading airlines in the US, including SkyWest for the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway program which offers funding solutions.
The academy’s latest partnership with Stratus Financial allows students to explore customized financing plans that align with their goals through a trusted, aviation specialist partner.
To find out more about Skyborne’s financing options, please visit: https://skyborne.com/us/finance-funding/
About Skyborne
Skyborne Airline Academy is a premier airline training academy based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire and Bournemouth Airports in the United Kingdom. Established by industry experts, Skyborne brings a fresh approach to airline pilot training.
Founders Tom Misner (chairman) and Lee Woodward (CEO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. Their vision has created a training environment where the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant airline-style training is maintained, and interactive learning is encouraged.
Using a combination of tried and tested methods and the latest technology to assess competence, suitability, aptitude and resilience, Skyborne recruits the very best candidates to minimize additional training, reduce failure rates and provide airlines with better pilots and cabin crew.
Skyborne is proud to hold close relationships with the world’s leading airlines, offering opportunities for trainees as part of Ryanair’s Future Flyer Academy, British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, Jet2.com’s Jet2FlightPath, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway. Skyborne is also the only academy to support DHL Air (UK) with a fully funded Integrated ATPL training initiative for its employees.
About Stratus Financial
Stratus Financial is a mission-driven aviation finance company founded in 2020 by FAA-certified flight and ground instructors. Built by pilots, for pilots, Stratus provides flexible loan programs and tailored financial solutions to students pursuing careers in commercial aviation. By working directly with flight schools and aviation partners, Stratus helps aspiring pilots launch their careers with the tools and support they need to succeed. To learn more about Stratus Financial. Learn more at www.stratus.finance.
Contact:
Lesley Boyd, CMO
Stratus Financial
(949) 406-4930
lesley@stratus.finance