Airways Aviation Academy
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Joined: Oct 2017
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From: N/A
Airways Aviation Academy
Hi guys
I just would like to have some info on the new Elite Pathways program (ATPL Integrated) of the Airways Aviation Academy based in Oxford.
I've already read an old thread about the school related to when the school was based in Coventry. But what about the "new" academy, based in Oxford Airport, and with the VFR part of the ATPL made in Spain?
Do you have some experience done in this school? What about the instructors and the overall perfromance of the school? Rate of employment after the course?
Thanks for your help
I just would like to have some info on the new Elite Pathways program (ATPL Integrated) of the Airways Aviation Academy based in Oxford.
I've already read an old thread about the school related to when the school was based in Coventry. But what about the "new" academy, based in Oxford Airport, and with the VFR part of the ATPL made in Spain?
Do you have some experience done in this school? What about the instructors and the overall perfromance of the school? Rate of employment after the course?
Thanks for your help
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Earth
I only know what I have heard from someone who started there not long ago. They dropped out after a month, they also said at least 4 other guys dropped out shortly after. It was said to me that some people are failing 5 of the 7 exams sat in the first sitting.
Do double check of course but this is just what I've heard from someone who did it themselves - they lost £10,000 in dropping out but they said it was worth it
Do double check of course but this is just what I've heard from someone who did it themselves - they lost £10,000 in dropping out but they said it was worth it
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 464
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From: UK
Very few graduates actually get any form of support in finding a job. Most end up doing themselves and it can take quite a time to do so. Small numbers of students. Take a look at Companies house for a bit of background information on the company.
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 464
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From: UK
I've recently heard that most of their students are Libyans who are on modular (PPL) courses in Spain (Huesca), a way of sorting the wheat from the chaff. Very few European students. They are advertising for TKI's for Spain. Previous CEO has been moved on.
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: N/A
I think it's now safe to say that the big three has now become the big two.
A friend of mine sent his son there.
When I asked him if he'd recommend it, his reply was "Hell, no!" "We only went there because he could drive every day, and not pay for housing."
And NO, they were of no help getting a job either.
I really don't see this as the fall of the big three integrated flight schools L3/CTC, Airways/CAE, FTE Jerez, but rather the rise of the other schools.
Hopefully you wannabees will learn from this experience.The glossy brochures with airline affiliations are pipe dreams for children of gullible parents.
All professional flight training should start with a PPL and 150 flying hours and ATPL written exams passed.
If you can't do that on your own, then I'm not impressed with your ability to get anything done.
A quick shout out to Bristol Ground Schools.
I would like to thank them for giving people the opportunity of improving their lot in life. Your not just a business. but a social service.
As I found out whilst guiding others through the minefield of misinformation.
Also other test question providers too. Thank you.
A friend of mine sent his son there.
When I asked him if he'd recommend it, his reply was "Hell, no!" "We only went there because he could drive every day, and not pay for housing."
And NO, they were of no help getting a job either.
I really don't see this as the fall of the big three integrated flight schools L3/CTC, Airways/CAE, FTE Jerez, but rather the rise of the other schools.
Hopefully you wannabees will learn from this experience.The glossy brochures with airline affiliations are pipe dreams for children of gullible parents.
All professional flight training should start with a PPL and 150 flying hours and ATPL written exams passed.
If you can't do that on your own, then I'm not impressed with your ability to get anything done.
A quick shout out to Bristol Ground Schools.
I would like to thank them for giving people the opportunity of improving their lot in life. Your not just a business. but a social service.
As I found out whilst guiding others through the minefield of misinformation.
Also other test question providers too. Thank you.
Last edited by button push ignored; 11th October 2017 at 14:50.
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 565
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From: N/A
Yes, maybe I was confusing Airways with OAA.
The darn names keep changing.
But when he said Oxford, I naturally assumed, he was talking about CSE (Kidlington), Oh sorry! OAA.
I always thought that Airways (formally British Airways Flying Club) was at Booker Aerodrome, Oh sorry! High Wycombe (Regional North West London) International Airport. Weren't they also at Exeter and Bagington.
Oh, I see. I'm a little behind the times, as times they are a changing.
Airways Global Headquarters is now Oxford.
We'll isn't that 'special'.
I glad they have Global ambitions.
I see what they are trying to do.
I don't care if they succeed or not.
But I would advise staying well clear of places like that.
I've said it before, and I guess I'll be saying it till I'm blue in the face.
Just go get a PPL and 150+ hours. Self study with BGS as you hour build. Then go to any number of small schools for the rest.
Last edited by button push ignored; 11th October 2017 at 22:56.
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 464
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From: UK
Airways Aviation bought out Atlantic Flight Training at Coventry. Moved to Oxford so they could be called AAO (Airways Aviation Oxford) sounds like OAA (CAE OAA)but apart from a few hundred metres in location, there is a vast difference between the two. I've never heard od Airways being one of the big 3, I always thought this was L3(CTC), CAE OAA and FTE.
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 613
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From: London
OAA (which uses the facilities that once housed the highly regarded OATS under CSE Aviation) has been CAE OAA for some time now although I was under the impression they were planning to drop Oxford from the title.
I believe Airways Aero Associates was the airfield operator under which the British Airways Flying Club operated. I understand that both Wycombe Air Centre and BAFC now operate under the combined Booker Aviation branding.
I believe Airways Aero Associates was the airfield operator under which the British Airways Flying Club operated. I understand that both Wycombe Air Centre and BAFC now operate under the combined Booker Aviation branding.
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 565
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From: N/A
Airways Aviation bought out Atlantic Flight Training at Coventry. Moved to Oxford so they could be called AAO (Airways Aviation Oxford) sounds like OAA (CAE OAA)but apart from a few hundred metres in location, there is a vast difference between the two. I've never heard od Airways being one of the big 3, I always thought this was L3(CTC), CAE OAA and FTE.
Airways is not one of the big 3, yet.
But they want a piece of the global market, and aim to make it's self one of the big 4.
But they won't be getting any money from me, or anybody I'm advising.
There simply isn't any reason to go there.
Far better paths exist, you've just got to find them.
Last edited by button push ignored; 12th October 2017 at 16:49.
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Earth
Last I heard over half the class my friend was in dropped out after a month and some of those who stayed failed numerous exams ... I'd say they're some way off anywhere near the 'big 3' and there are numerous other far better placed contenders for that title.
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 127
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From: UK
The Airways building in Oxford is very nice. Modern and in a good location. That's about the only good thing I hear about Airways. A lot of unsuspecting people are dragged-in by the nice building, fancy uniforms, and glossy PR. A "fur coat and no knickers" institution, sadly.
They tell customers that courses are "nearly full", so they need to pay-up ASAP to guarantee their place on a course. In reality, courses are operating at about a third of their capacity.
I get the impression that they have a significantly lower selection standard than the Big Three. Probably to claw as many people as possible through the doors. A former Airways TKI said that some of the students were "unteachable".
It's not the first time I've heard someone refer to Airways as a "world leader", and a serious "competitor" for the Big Three, but this is complete fantasy in my opinion. It looks like they're clearly trying to mimic the Big Three with their top-end website, global training campuses, and dabbling in "training and recruitment solutions", but they're certainly nowhere near.
They tell customers that courses are "nearly full", so they need to pay-up ASAP to guarantee their place on a course. In reality, courses are operating at about a third of their capacity.
I get the impression that they have a significantly lower selection standard than the Big Three. Probably to claw as many people as possible through the doors. A former Airways TKI said that some of the students were "unteachable".
It's not the first time I've heard someone refer to Airways as a "world leader", and a serious "competitor" for the Big Three, but this is complete fantasy in my opinion. It looks like they're clearly trying to mimic the Big Three with their top-end website, global training campuses, and dabbling in "training and recruitment solutions", but they're certainly nowhere near.
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 464
Likes: 2
From: UK
Companies house filed accounts for 2016 eludes to the fact that if further investment isn't forthcoming or business doesn't increase then future trading isn't viable. Made a sizeable loss in 2015 and 2016 even with new investment. So why then are they advertising for TKI's in Spain? Is it due to the Libyans training there, hoping that they will make the grade?
Last edited by WASALOADIE; 16th October 2017 at 08:49. Reason: added text
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Aqaba, Jordan
Greetings. I am Marwan Atalla, Executive Chairman of Airways Aviation. I am here to answer any questions, but I will not indulge in subjective comments or arguments; only facts.
I previously ran Ayla Aviation Academy, which won Training Provider of the year in 2016. I have known the owner of Airways Aviation (previously Atlantic Flight Training) for many years, and I believe is his vision for the company and the industry. I had several meetings with him, and we eventually decided to join forces and merge the two companies. In view of the size and branding of Airways, we decided to use Airways Aviation instead of Ayla Aviation, which was only known in it's region.
An investment banking firm was hired to manage the merger, and they quickly came to the conclusion that it would be better for the company to close the base in Aqaba, and move the assets to the UK and Spain. This was based on many reasons, which I am happy to go into detail offline with anyone who is interested.
I became Chairman of Airways two months ago, and I am very proud to be part of this organization. Furthermore, we are proud to have a contract with the Libyan Government and to be part of the training of their future generation. Education is the most valuable investment any country can make in itself.
We are equally proud of our self-sponsored and Airline sponsored students. As of today, we have over 200 students in various stages of training. In addition, between the two organizations, we have several thousand graduates working in various Airlines in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Thank you
I previously ran Ayla Aviation Academy, which won Training Provider of the year in 2016. I have known the owner of Airways Aviation (previously Atlantic Flight Training) for many years, and I believe is his vision for the company and the industry. I had several meetings with him, and we eventually decided to join forces and merge the two companies. In view of the size and branding of Airways, we decided to use Airways Aviation instead of Ayla Aviation, which was only known in it's region.
An investment banking firm was hired to manage the merger, and they quickly came to the conclusion that it would be better for the company to close the base in Aqaba, and move the assets to the UK and Spain. This was based on many reasons, which I am happy to go into detail offline with anyone who is interested.
I became Chairman of Airways two months ago, and I am very proud to be part of this organization. Furthermore, we are proud to have a contract with the Libyan Government and to be part of the training of their future generation. Education is the most valuable investment any country can make in itself.
We are equally proud of our self-sponsored and Airline sponsored students. As of today, we have over 200 students in various stages of training. In addition, between the two organizations, we have several thousand graduates working in various Airlines in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Thank you
Joined: Feb 2010
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 363
Likes: 28
From: Vienna (FAA CPL/CFI)
Seems I have dodged a number of bullets in looking for gainful aviation employment
Guess this will be quietly wound up then...
New pilot degree programme | University of South Wales
Guess this will be quietly wound up then...
New pilot degree programme | University of South Wales
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
From: Earth
Why do you have such a high turnover rate of staff? I came close to joining what was Atlantic flight training in Coventry a couple of years ago, over the 3 month period I was looking at the school for, even doing an assessment, all 3 staff members I dealt with had all left in that time period and I had new names.
Why are there only terrible reviews about your establishment? Everyone I know who has gone there has either failed 5 of 7 exams, commented on awful instruction and some have even given up (losing upwards of £10,000 in the process) quite early on after deciding they had made a massive mistake and it was better to take the loss and salvage what they could of their future career.
It's a bit out there, but when I went to an open evening of atlantic, you were actually mentioned at it (by a person who left a month later), to quote him (it was so bizarre I'll never forget it), he said "Marwan has a vision that this school will become the 'Gucci' of the aviation industry", this was a means of somehow attempting to justify the £87,000 asking price (haven't a clue what it is now but understand its dropped considerably and rightly so). And on that, with the greatest of respect Mr Attala but I count my lucky stars I never joined this school because it comes as more like the pound shop of aviation. I just feel sorry for one kind lady I met at the open evening who I later heard went and joined the course, heaven only knows where she's at now the poor thing.
Why are there only terrible reviews about your establishment? Everyone I know who has gone there has either failed 5 of 7 exams, commented on awful instruction and some have even given up (losing upwards of £10,000 in the process) quite early on after deciding they had made a massive mistake and it was better to take the loss and salvage what they could of their future career.
It's a bit out there, but when I went to an open evening of atlantic, you were actually mentioned at it (by a person who left a month later), to quote him (it was so bizarre I'll never forget it), he said "Marwan has a vision that this school will become the 'Gucci' of the aviation industry", this was a means of somehow attempting to justify the £87,000 asking price (haven't a clue what it is now but understand its dropped considerably and rightly so). And on that, with the greatest of respect Mr Attala but I count my lucky stars I never joined this school because it comes as more like the pound shop of aviation. I just feel sorry for one kind lady I met at the open evening who I later heard went and joined the course, heaven only knows where she's at now the poor thing.