16 June 2025
Well known professional pilot training company FTEJerez is to open a new UK base at London Oxford Airport in addition to its headquarters in southern Spain. The new facility will start operating later this year.
The expansion marks a significant milestone in the school’s history, re-establishing a physical presence in the UK for the first time in more than 30 years.
It’s also a reversal of the current trend among UK approved training organisations (ATOs) to open a fairweather flying base for VFR operations in southern Europe or the US.
The new base will initially feature two Diamond DA42 aircraft and will offer an in-house training solution tailored to UK CAA licensing requirements.
FTEJerez is currently an official training provider for British Airways and Jet2.com, and this new base will further strengthen its ability to support both its UK airline cadets and self-sponsored students pursuing a UK or dual UK/EASA licence.
FTE’s CEO, Oscar Sordo, said, “This is a proud and exciting step forward for FTEJerez.
“Our roots lie in the UK, with the BAE Systems Flying College in Prestwick, founded in 1988, and this marks the first time since then that we return with an official base.
“Establishing our own presence at London Oxford Airport allows us to deliver UK CAA training with the same quality and oversight that have defined our programmes for decades.”
Ed Sale, Business Development Manager at London Oxford Airport, added, “We are delighted FTEJerez has selected London Oxford Airport as their official base for their return to the UK. With training flight movements up year on year at London Oxford Airport we continue to represent to the training sector we have the infrastructure and capacity to support in the growth of this market.”
