One of Europe’s leading flying schools and aircraft maintenance companies is flying high after a surge in flight training applications and other developments has put it on course to record a 46% increase in turnover for 2018/19.
ACS Aviation, which has operated from Perth Airport since 2016, has seen a significant increase in flight training enquiries and forecasts that over 200 future pilots will enrol on its Airline Pilot Transport Licence program over the next 3 years.
The expansion of the business has resulted in an increase in the ACS workforce from 13 to 35 over the past two years with the company now recruiting for more flight instructors to join the team.
In recent weeks ACS’s reputation as a high quality flight school was also recognised by the Ministry of Defence who approved the company for its programme for military pilot training. The Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS) system will allow military pilots to convert their flying qualifications into civilian licences and gain airline employment.
In addition, ACS’s engineering division has been authorised as a Diamond Aircraft Service Centre, providing full maintenance support and warranty service for Diamond DA20, DA40 and DA42 aircraft.
As a result of the developments, directors at the company are now forecasting an increase in turnover from £1.3 million to £1.9 million for the year ending 31st March.
Craig McDonald, Group Technical Director at ACS Aviation Ltd, said: “Over the past year ACS has established a position as one of the leading flying schools in Europe, with our international graduates going on to secure employment with a host of airlines including Ryanair, Loganair, Thomas Cook, Stobart Air and Norwegian Airlines.
“Achieving Approved Learning Provider status with the MoD is something we’re extremely proud of and strengthens our commitment to support the Armed Forces community. This relationship combined with new developments in our engineering division and a recent surge in flight training applications has contributed to our recent growth and provides a strong foundation for the future expansion of the business.”
Complementing its gold standard flying school, the company also operates ACS Engineering, a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 145 approved aircraft maintenance services provider, specialising in aircraft and helicopter maintenance.
In addition to being Scotland’s only Diamond Aircraft Approved Service Centre and Approved Rotax Engine Facility, ACS Engineering also offers Technify Motors GmbH engine services as a Technify Motors Service Centre and Avionics support as an experienced TRIG dealer.
ACS Aviation’s growing international presence was recently recognised by Perthshire Chamber of Commerce when it picked up the ‘Solutions Beyond Scotland’ prize at the organisation’s Star Awards.
ACS Managing Director, Graeme Frater, commented: “At ACS Aviation we are passionate about what we do and strive to build a world renowned centre of excellence for commercial flight training and aircraft maintenance services at Perth Airport. This award is a huge honour and recognition of the hard work, drive and determination of the entire ACS team.”
