French aviation institute Esma (Ecole Superieure des Metiers de l'Aeronautique) plans to increase turnover to €8 million ($10.6 million) in 2005 by developing its pilot-training schemes and courses in aircraft maintenance.
Esma says investment of c2.7 million in 2004, following its takeover by Aeronconseil in January 2004, has enabled it to renew its fleet, buy a new flight simulator and increase its staff by 80%, including the recruitment and training of 14 new instructors.
At the end of 2004 Esma finalised a three-year contract with Airbus to train 300 pilots from 2005.
The company also expects to finalise the extension of its existing training contract with Vietnam Airlines. Esma is due to launch an Airbus A310 type rating training scheme with the manufacturer later this year.
Esma plans to increase co-operation with its Tunisian subsidiary ISA (Institut Superieur Aeronautique) and continue developing the maintenance training courses it already offers for A310, A320, Boeing 737 and ATR aircraft. It will carry out a feasibility study on establishing a pilot training school in South Africa.
HELEN MASSY-BERESFORD / LONDON
Source: Flight International
