AELO Swiss Academy (formerly Aero Locarno) is Switzerland's premier high-performance aviation academy, combining Swiss excellence with spectacular Alpine training. Established in 1985, AELO offers a truly all-inclusive ATPL program—accommodation, medical, insurance, even ski passes—for €99,700 with no hidden fees. With 96% of graduates landing airline jobs within 6 months and a unique SkyAlps MPL program with guaranteed employment, AELO has earned its reputation as one of Europe's top flight schools.
AELO Swiss Academy at a Glance
All-Inclusive Cost
€99,700
No hidden fees
Duration
16-18 mo
Zero to frozen ATPL
Airline Placement
96%
Within 6 months
Fleet Size
27+
Modern aircraft
Academy Overview
AELO is certified by the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), with all licenses recognized across EASA member states. The academy provides the highest number of Sphair courses in Switzerland—the first step to becoming a Swiss military pilot.
Key Credentials
- • Established 1985 (30+ years experience)
- • Swiss FOCA Approved Training Organisation
- • EASA-recognized licenses
- • Highest Sphair course provider in Switzerland
- • 37 flight instructors (2/3 active airline pilots)
Recent Expansion (2025)
- • €6 million new facilities investment
- • New 48-room student campus (Nov 2025)
- • 9 new aircraft delivered (DA40, P2008)
- • 18 new Diamond DA20 on order
- • 100% enrollment growth in 2024
Training Programs
1. ATPL Integrated Course
The flagship 16-18 month program takes students from zero experience to frozen ATPL, ready for First Officer positions at any EASA airline.
| Phase | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | ~6 months | ATPL theory (600 hrs classroom) + VFR flying basics |
| Phase 2 | ~3 months | Single-engine instrument training |
| Phase 3 | ~3 months | Multi-engine training (Diamond DA42) |
| Phase 4 | ~2 months | CPL training + skill tests |
| Phase 5 | ~2 months | APS MCC (Boeing 737 NG simulator) |
Zero Delay Guarantee
If you don't complete training within 16 months, AELO pays you €1,000 for every 10-day delay until you obtain your license. This demonstrates their commitment to on-time completion.
2. SkyAlps MPL Program (Guaranteed Job)
The Multi-Pilot License program in partnership with SkyAlps airline includes guaranteed First Officer employment upon successful completion.
MPL Program Benefits
- • Guaranteed FO contract with SkyAlps
- • Dash 8 Q400 Type Rating included
- • Same €99,700 all-inclusive price
- • Operations in Italy, Switzerland, Germany
- • Type rating cost deducted from salary (3-year bond)
MPL Selection Process
- • 1. CV assessment
- • 2. Online application form
- • 3. AON online assessment test
- • 4. Personal interview + MPL presentation
- • 5. Medical examination
Start dates: April and October only. If unsuccessful in MPL selection, you're automatically transferred to ATPL Integrated (if eligible).
3. NEOS PreSelect Program
A premier pathway for aspiring pilots targeting NEOS Airlines. Combines AELO's 18-month ATPL course with direct entry into NEOS recruitment. Highly competitive—requires special request and exceptional performance.
Costs & What's Included
Investment Summary
ATPL/MPL
€99,700
All-inclusive
PPL Discount
€9,000
25 hrs credit
Application Fee
€1,100
€600 refundable
Type Rating
Separate
~€20-25K
What €99,700 Includes
Training
- • All flight training hours
- • Ground school (600 hrs classroom)
- • Boeing 737 NG simulator (APS MCC)
- • All examinations and skill tests
- • Training materials & iPad
- • Uniforms
Living & Personal
- • Accommodation (3-bedroom apartments)
- • Free transport to airport
- • Health insurance
- • EASA Class 1 medical certificate
- • Landing and navigation fees
- • Season ski passes
Type Rating Not Included
Type rating for airline aircraft (e.g., A320, B737) is not included in the €99,700 and typically costs €20,000-€35,000. For SkyAlps MPL, the Dash 8 Q400 Type Rating IS included but financed through salary deduction over 3 years.
Fleet & Facilities
AELO operates one of Switzerland's largest training fleets, with major expansion ongoing. New state-of-the-art facilities opened October 2025, with a dedicated student campus following in November 2025.
| Aircraft | Type | Training Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond DA40 | Single-engine, G1000 | VFR, Basic IFR |
| Diamond DA42 | Multi-engine, G1000 | MEP, Advanced IFR |
| Tecnam P2008 | Single-engine | Initial VFR |
| Boeing 737 NG Sim | Full simulator | APS MCC |
| Pipistrel | Electric aircraft | Eco-training |
New Facilities (2025)
- €6 million investment in modernization
- 2,000 square meter campus at Locarno Airport
- 48-room student residence (opening November 2025)
- Advanced flight simulators
- Modern classrooms and briefing rooms
- Cafeteria and gym facilities
Location & Training Environment
AELO is based at Locarno Airport (LSZL) in southern Switzerland's Ticino region, on the shores of Lake Maggiore near the Italian border. This unique location offers exceptional training diversity.
Training Environment
- • 320+ sunny flying days annually
- • Mild Mediterranean climate
- • Alpine mountain navigation
- • Busy Italian airspace experience
- • Cross-country to London, southern Italy
- • Challenging terrain + flat airspace variety
Living in Locarno
- • Beautiful lakeside town
- • Italian-speaking Swiss region
- • Affordable cost of living (for Switzerland)
- • Excellent outdoor activities
- • Vibrant international student community
- • Close to Milan (1.5 hrs)
"My time in Locarno has been the best of my life! Living in the middle of the Alps with people from all over the world is something I will never forget. I was hired by TUI fly on the Boeing 737 and now I regularly pass over Locarno at FL410."
Graduate Outcomes
96% Airline Placement
96% of AELO graduates secure airline pilot positions within 6 months. Recent graduates have been hired by KLM (3), Transavia (4), Swiss, Lufthansa, Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, Air Astana, and many more.
Where Graduates Work
Some AELO graduates chose military aviation careers, flying FA-18 fighters or Super Puma helicopters for the Swiss Air Force.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Good English proficiency
- Able to obtain EASA Class 1 medical
- No prior flying experience required
- PPL holders: 25 hours credit + €9,000 discount
Start Dates 2026
ATPL Integrated: February, March, April, May, July, September, October, November
SkyAlps MPL: April and October only
Application Process
- Online application — Submit form with CV and documents
- Pay application fee — €1,100 (€600 refundable if not accepted)
- Online interview — With AELO Head of Training
- Sign contract — Upload signed agreement
- Pay initial fee — €29,910 (within 30 days of acceptance)
- Obtain Class 1 medical — Before course start
- Start training — Welcome to Locarno!
Payment for Swiss Students
Swiss students pay in CHF with exchange rate 0.97. Non-Swiss students pay in EUR. Application fee is non-refundable once you've started the process and shown eligibility.
Official Website: aeloswiss.com or aerolocarno.ch
WhatsApp: +41 79 544 07 77
Information accurate as of January 2026. Verify current fees and availability directly with AELO.