ASG has announced that Marco Da Silva from Switzerland is the recipient of the 2026 ASG ATPL Theory Scholarship. Marco’s journey into aviation represents exactly the type of determination, resilience and passion that this scholarship was designed to support.
Born and raised in Chur, Switzerland, Marco’s fascination with aviation began at a young age and developed into a clear ambition to pursue a professional career in the cockpit. His commitment to that goal has already led him through several important steps within the aviation industry.
Marco completed the prestigious SPHAIR “Talents for the Sky” pilot programme, a Swiss aviation initiative that identifies and supports promising future aviation professionals. During the programme, he demonstrated strong aptitude and commitment, earning a positive recommendation from SPHAIR instructors, a significant endorsement within the Swiss aviation community.
However, Marco’s path has not been without challenges. During his early attempts to pursue pilot training, Marco encountered a medical obstacle relating to his eyesight that temporarily prevented him from progressing directly into flight training, but he overcame this and managed to change the regulatory system and is now the proud holder of a Class 1 medical. For many aspiring pilots, this would have been a discouraging setback. Instead, Marco chose to remain close to aviation and build valuable industry experience while continuing to pursue his long-term goal.
Today, he works as a Flight Dispatcher with Lions Air Group in Switzerland, where he plays an important role in coordinating flight operations. In this role, Marco is responsible for tasks including flight planning, crew briefings, operational coordination and regulatory compliance, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft worldwide. His career progression within aviation operations has also included work as a Handling Agent and Team Leader at Motorfluggruppe Zürich, where he was involved in aircraft handling, refuelling operations, slot coordination and the daily planning of airport operations at Zurich.
Marco’s story stood out among a large number of strong applications for this year’s scholarship. The ASG selection panel said they were particularly impressed by:
- His demonstrated commitment to aviation through both training and professional experience
- The SPHAIR recommendation, highlighting his early potential as a pilot
- His ability to persevere despite medical challenges and remain focused on his goal
- His practical aviation knowledge gained through operational roles in the industry
Rather than allowing obstacles to redirect his ambitions, Marco used them as an opportunity to deepen his aviation experience and strengthen his pathway toward the flight deck.
The ASG ATPL Theory Scholarship will now support Marco in completing the theoretical foundation required for a professional airline pilot career. The ATPL theoretical knowledge programme is one of the most demanding academic stages of pilot training, requiring discipline, resilience and strong analytical ability.
Marco’s background in aviation operations, combined with his determination and work ethic, makes him exceptionally well prepared for this challenge. ASG Founder Diarmuid O’Riordan commented on the decision: “Marco represents the type of aviation professional we are proud to support. His journey demonstrates resilience, commitment and a genuine passion for the industry. Despite facing early obstacles, he remained focused on his goal and continued building experience within aviation. We are delighted to support him as he takes the next step towards a professional flying career.”
Marco will now begin his ATPL theoretical knowledge training with ASG, joining a community of students from across Europe preparing for careers in commercial aviation. Everyone at ASG congratulates Marco on his achievement and looks forward to supporting him on the next stage of his aviation journey.
