This is indeed the case - I can confirm.
Civil pilot training is deemed by BAE to no longer be a logical part of its activities as a global defence supplier.
They have therefore taken the decision to dispose of its civil flight training facilities at Jerez and in Australia.
Having spoken to a BAE spokesman a few minutes ago he confirms that the business is to be sold as a going concern and stated "we are aware of our obligations to students in that regard". Third parties have already been sought to purchase the business.
Therefore there is no need for current students, or potential customers thinking of going to Jerez, to panic in any way.
In my view the sale will take some time to come about anyway. When it does it might well be a good thing as new management come in with fresh funding to improve and develop the school yet further. It is after all an excellent resource as it stands with fundamentally good resources.
Doubtless there will be some movement in staff and this will cause some upheavel.
I hope that the change of ownership brings nothing but good things to all the staff in Jerez who made the considerable commitment to moving there from Prestwick 4 years ago.
Now. Time for the rumours as to who is buying them to begin... starter for 10 with - say - McAlpine and CABAIR in a 50/50 partnership that sees Cranfield wound down and all the CTC cadet IR's conducted out of Jerez.
Cheers
WWW