Tiger Aviation

Tiger Aviation Limited has soared to global prominence, transforming from its roots as Tiger Helicopters Limited at Shobdon Airfield, UK, into an international leader in aviation training and services. With a mission to elevate aviation standards worldwide, Tiger Aviation provides comprehensive pilot training programs that starts from ab initio to advanced ratings. These programs are thoroughly crafted to impart deep technical knowledge, refine skillsets and critical decision-making abilities, turning novices into professional safety-conscious aviators.

A defining moment in Tiger Aviation’s illustrious journey came in 2005 when it secured its first international contract to train police helicopter pilots for Kuwait. This milestone marked the beginning of a series of prestigious ventures, including a strategic partnership with Leonardo— formerly Agusta Westland—to train pilots for Algeria. The collaboration saw over 10,000 hours of rigorous ab initio training with an impressive 100 percent safety record, highlighting Tiger Aviation’s dedication to safety and quality.

Tiger Aviation has since forged significant partnerships with major nations such as Nigeria, Gabon and the French military in Dax. These collaborations have empowered these countries to achieve self-reliance in aircraft operations and establish their own training academies. This ensures they always have a pool of skilled aviation personnel ready in their repository.

Notably, Tiger Aviation’s commitment to high-quality training yielded impactful results during its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force. Faced with a selection process involving several companies, Tiger Aviation was chosen based on its training philosophy, the exceptional calibre of its graduates and its ability to enhance the qualifications of the Air Force’s pilots. This initiative was not an ab initio training program but focused on upskilling highly qualified pilots in simulator training, flight training and ground school.

Tiger Aviation’s training enabled the Nigerian Air Force to effectively augment their Coast Guard fleet and fulfill their United Nations obligations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The company’s training was instrumental in strengthening the Air Force’s maritime safety and operations capabilities, a testament to Tiger Aviation’s influence on global aviation standards.

At the heart of Tiger Aviation’s top-tier training programs is a handpicked team of aviation experts, led by Captain Alan Ramsden, head of training and a seasoned aviator, who holds a prestigious Gold Seal Flight Instructor rating, an honour shared by very few instructors nationwide.

He believes that the future of aviation lies in perpetual learning and technological progress. Through this belief, he is not just training pilots, but actively shaping the future of flight.

While Tiger Aviation prioritises pilot training, it has diversified its offerings to include comprehensive engineer training and maintenance services. The company is currently spearheading innovations through the establishment of the Tiger Aviation Innovation Centre, which aims to expand its training programs and develop new technologies to enhance aviation safety and efficiency. Current projects at the centre include the adoption of an aerial saw for safe and efficient vegetation management and a helium-filled balloon system capable of lifting up to two tons, with potential applications in wind turbine maintenance and other heavy-lift operations.

Despite lucrative opportunities in the aviation field for newcomers, driven by the relatively low cost of obtaining a first officer’s qualification, Tiger Aviation opts for deliberate growth. Rather than expanding rapidly, the company focuses on maintaining high standards and providing safe, advanced training.

Supported by a team rich in real-world experience, the company is charting a bold course to meet the industry’s needs. As the global appetite for air mobility continues to soar, Tiger Aviation is ideally positioned to elevate training standards while shaping the future of flight.