Our First Graduating class of Pilots finishes their academic studies and starts their professional career (19th May, 2025)

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The eight students of the first promotion of the Degree in Commercial Pilot for Passengers and Cargo Transport of the University of Burgos (UBU), have graduated this May 19th, 2025. All of them have different nationalities, coming from Spain, Russia, Philippines, Puerto Rico, France and Lebanon. Three years ago they began their studies in the world of aviation, inaugurating this Degree, and after much hard work and flight hours, they have finished their academic studies and started their professional careers. 

The ceremony was led by the Rector of the University of Burgos, Dr. José Miguel García, who awarded the graduates the silver coin with the University's motto, and the Director of the University Polytechnic School Milanera, Dr. Nicolás Javier González de la Viuda, who conferred the graduation diplomas. They were accompanied by the Secretary of the University Polytechnic School Milanera, Dr. José Ramón López García, the Director of the Degree, Dr. Ana María Lara Palma, who awarded the graduation band, and the godfather José Antonio de la Plaza Díez, who was in charge of placing the epaulettes on each graduate's shoulders. 

As guests, different civil authorities attended, such as the Mayoress of Burgos, Mrs. Cristina Ayala, the President of the Provincial Deputation of Burgos, Mr. Borja Suárez, the delegate of the Junta de Castilla y León, Mr. Roberto Saiz, and the subdelegate of the Government in Burgos, Mr. Pedro L. de la Fuente. The different Vice-rectors of the University of Burgos, the Manager of the General Foundation of the University of Burgos, Dr. Jorge Izquierdo Zubiate, and different academic leaders also attended. The event was also attended by various members of FlyBy, strategic partner for the Degree, the director of Burgos airport, Victoria Urbano Allueva, the CEO of the SHERPA Trust, Alfredo Bru, representatives of Tecnam Aircraft, Walter Da Costa and Álvaro Lapetra, the CEO of Aeroitalia Aviation Academy, Captain Antonio Chialastri, and the Head of Personnel and Support of the Guardia Civil, Mr. Atonio Corchón. 

During the ceremony, the great education offered by the University of Burgos and the growth of this Degree was highlighted, in which every year the enrolments grow exponentially and internationally, due to the worldwide boom in the field of aviation, as the godfather José Antonio de la Plaza remarked in his speech. In addition, as their teacher, he dedicated some emotional words to the graduates, highlighting the personal virtues of each of them. He also reminded them that: “Being a pilot is not just a profession; it is a responsibility and a privilege”. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Ana María Lara Palma, acknowledged all those who have made this programme possible, and addressed the students saying: "From this moment on, you are now part of the proud family of graduates of our University. Never forget the knowledge you have acquired here, nor the people who have supported you along this journey to reach this special day.” 

As stated by Dr. José Miguel García, Rector of the University of Burgos, this field of education is growing, as the University of Burgos is launching different master's degrees such as training for senior pilots, aircraft mechanics, flight crew and controllers. He emphasised the spectacular results that have been achieved in just three years, such as the agreement with FlyBy, the largest pilot school in Europe, and the fact that Burgos Airport is the sixth in Spain in terms of number of operations. 

On the other hand, Angela Gracia Pagkatipunan, the only woman in this promotion, dedicated some beautiful words to her classmates: "As the only girl in the promotion, I am asked how I have dealt with what is traditionally known as male dominated. I have never really felt that division, and this is thanks to my classmates, my brothers on this journey. They welcomed me warmly and treated me as an equal and reminded me every day that camaraderie knows no gender." At the same time, she quoted a famous line that has become the ceremony's motto: "The sky's the limit. Your sky, your limits." Mathieu Andres Fournel, the other student spokesperson, said goodbye with these warm words: "Soon we will be commercial pilots making our dreams come true every minute of the day. And with that I leave you with two rules that I hope you will not forget. Always keep moving forward and evolving, and of course, the golden rule, aviate, navigate and communicate".