British Aerospace is to move its entire UK pilot training operation to south-west Spain. The relocation is expected to be announced by the company around the end of this month.
The Prestwick International Airport-based British Aerospace Flight Training (UK) operation is to be relocated to Jerez. Industry sources are citing the cost of operating from the Scottish airport and the better weather conditions in Spain as the reason for the transfer.
British Aerospace declines to comment other than admitting that the "-business is under review at the moment".
The move is expected to be complete by the end of next year. The company, which operates 43 training aircraft - about half of them Piper Warriors - is one of Europe's largest airline pilot training organisations. BAe also has two training operations in Australia.
Although most of the 85 employees will be offered jobs in Spain, the relocation will be a blow for the UK training industry and BAe's presence at Prestwick.
With the earlier demise of Jetstream aircraft production, the site houses just over 1,000 people undertaking civil aerostructures and regional aircraft support work. The departure of flight training is bound to raise questions about long-term plans for the site.
Source: Flight International
