The Airways Aviation, a global flight training group, has announced the acquisition of the French Aviation Education & Training organisation Esma (Ecole Supérieure des Métiers de l’Aéronautique).

With the addition of Esma, the Oxford-based group now boasts built up facilities of approximately 25,000 square metre along with the largest and most diverse (‘beaches to alps’) pilot training area footprint in the world covering approximately 350,000 square/kilometre across the UK, Spain, France, Montenegro and Australia.

“These are unprecedented times in aviation as we accelerate and expand our already significant global presence and capability and offer even more solutions to the industry’s increasing demand for properly trained and qualified people,” said Romy Hawatt, the founder and executive chairman of the Airways Aviation Group. The acquisition of Esma is a significant next step in meeting the extraordinary industry growth over the coming 15 years, he added.

According to Hawatt, Airways/ESMA values its relationships and intends to continue to provide ATPL and other pilot training to the various Chinese Airlines in addition to its existing European, Arab and other Asian clientele.

Asia, Africa and the Middle East represent more than two thirds of the world’s growth markets over the coming years and Airways/ESMA is well positioned to play a significant role in assisting its partners in their training needs, he added.