Launched in October, the Alumni Spotlight initiative was created to bring former students closer to current cadets by sharing real stories and experiences from within the industry.

After featuring alumni such as Alex Khawaja and Belén Alegre, we were keen to bring this format to life in a live setting. Antonio Real, recommended by Alex Khawaja, was a natural choice to continue the series.

Born and raised in Jerez de la Frontera, aviation was present in his life from the very beginning. With his grandfather serving at Rota Naval Base and his father working in the tourism industry, he’s had the opportunity to come across flight crew members in many occasions which allowed his interest in airline operations and life on the flight deck remain fuelled.

After finishing high school, his ambition was clear: to become a pilot. However, the financial crisis made immediate flight training difficult. Following advice from his family, he chose to first pursue Business Administration and Management at the University of Cádiz followed by a Master’s degree in Management in Madrid. His professional career then led him into the aerospace sector, working for Airtifical where he took the role as an internal auditor making sure processes were followed as per company procedures. He was then offered a position abroad for a few months, before returning to Jerez with valuable industry experience — and an undiminished passion for aviation.

Determined to pursue flying, he applied to airline cadet programmes. After reaching the final interview stage with Iberia, he was not selected. Undiscouraged, he applied to Vueling, where he was successful. In April 2019, he joined FTE Jerez as part of the Vueling MPL programme.

Like many cadets, his training was significantly impacted by COVID-19. Although he completed his EASA exams before the pandemic, training was paused, and Vueling cadets faced a prolonged waiting period.

After helping out in the Chamber of Commerce in Cádiz and staying in touch with the aviation industry by becoming a Pseudopilot as well as an ICAO Language Proficiency examiner, he was called back to resume his training in order to join Vueling.

While waiting for the company to officially open positions to fly the A320, he was offered a role in the airline’s Operations Control Centre (OCC), where he gained valuable insight into the operational, economic, and decision-making processes behind every flight — broadening his understanding of airline operations beyond the cockpit.

Since his starting date to fly for the airline was put off again, through perseverance, networking, and strong connections within the FTE community, new opportunities followed. He began flying with DAT, operating A320 aircraft on ACMI contracts for airlines including Air France and Air Arabia, gaining experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. During this period, he also successfully completed the selection process with other european airlines which enabled him to further strengthen his professional profile.

In 2024, Vueling called back their cadets which meant Antonio had the opportunity to come back to Spain. He is now Barcelona based and flies the A320 family as a First Officer, bringing together the operational experience gained through ACMI flying with the structured environment of a major European airline.

 

Life before FTEJerez & why did you want to become a pilot?

“Aviation was always around me — it felt natural to pursue it…”

Aviation was part of my life from a very young age. Growing up in Jerez, with my father managing a hotel in Jerez which led to constant exposure to airline crews, I was fascinated by airline operations. Even while studying business and working in the aerospace industry, I always knew that flying was my real goal. FTE gave me the opportunity to finally turn that ambition into reality.

Hardest selection process you went through?

“They test how you think, not just what you know.”

The most demanding selection processes I experienced were with SAS and Iberia. The final interview with Iberia in Madrid was particularly challenging, while the SAS selection stood out for the depth of the personal interview and the simulator session.

At SAS, there was a strong focus on A320 knowledge, especially because I was already type rated. Beyond technical questions, they pushed you to explain your reasoning — sometimes asking questions that don’t have a clear right answer — to see how you manage time pressure, uncertainty, and decision-making. The simulator session was especially demanding and required a high level of preparation and situational awareness.

It reinforced an important lesson: airline selections are not just about technical ability, but about how you think, communicate, and manage yourself under pressure.

Most memorable experience at FTEJerez?

“The MCC phase prepares you for real airline operations.”

Returning to FTE after a 14-month pause was incredibly special. For Vueling cadets, the wait was long and at times frustrating, especially as other groups gradually returned to training while we remained on hold. Finally coming back to Jerez to complete the programme felt like a moment of closure — and a reminder of how much perseverance the journey had required.

The MCC phase stood out in particular. Taking it seriously and learning as much as possible from the instructors makes a real difference once you move on to line flying. It gives you a strong operational mindset and prepares you for the realities of airline operations.

How do you stay on top of your skills and knowledge while waiting for an airline opportunity?

“You have to stay active, informed, and visible.”

After finishing training, it’s important to take a short break to disconnect and reset. But if you’re actively looking for a job, you need to stay engaged. Make use of careers services, ask which airlines are coming, and proactively reach out to contacts within airlines. If you need simulator practice, push for it — instructors know what is happening in the industry and can often help and guide you.

When it comes to theoretical knowledge, stay current and focused on what airlines actually assess. Operational subjects are key, particularly Operations, Air Law, Flight Planning, and Aircraft Performance. There is plenty of feedback available online, along with question banks — both free and paid — that can help you prepare. The most important thing is to remain proactive and ready when an opportunity arises.

Advice for current students.

“Don’t wait for opportunities — go after them.”

Be proactive and don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. The aviation industry is small, and staying connected truly matters. Keep in touch with your instructors and classmates — a simple message like “How are you doing?” can make a real difference. One of my own opportunities came through a colleague based in Qatar, which led me to DAT.

Make the most of every phase at FTE, especially MCC, and take it seriously. Even if your path isn’t linear, perseverance, attitude, and strong professional relationships will help you move forward. Opportunities often appear when you’re engaged, visible, and ready.

FTEJerez gave me far more than flight training. It provided a strong foundation, a global network, and lifelong connections that continue to support my career today. The FTEJerez community stays with you long after graduation and plays an important role throughout your professional journey. And remember, attitude, passion and perseverance are the keys to success.”

 

If you or someone you know would like to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series, please reach out to us at president@fteturbojet.com or careers@fteturbojet.com.