Andrewsfield Aviation Announces Succession Plan to Prevent Essex Flying School Closure

United Kingdom – Andrewsfield Aviation, a UK flight training organisation based in Essex, has announced a new ownership and management arrangement intended to prevent the closure of its flying school near Braintree. The succession plan, facilitated with support from television chef and newly qualified private pilot Jamie Oliver, is intended to preserve the school's pilot training and aircraft hire operations.

• Marc Naylor, who previously spent 10 years flying air ambulance operations in Devon, is set to become the company's major shareholder and take responsibility for its day-to-day management. Naylor has an existing association with Andrewsfield and returned to the school to complete his Flight Instructor Rating.
• The arrangement follows plans by existing directors Mike Rowland and Carol Cooper to retire from the daily management of the airfield and flying school. The directors had previously indicated that without a suitable successor, closing Andrewsfield Aviation Ltd could become the only viable option.
• Carol Cooper will remain as Head of Training, continuing to provide specialist flight training, instructor development and examiner services. Cooper has accumulated more than 27,000 flying hours during her aviation career and intends to remain active as an instructor and examiner.
• Oliver, who obtained his Private Pilot Licence at Andrewsfield in July 2026, assisted with the development of the new ownership arrangements after learning of the potential closure. He will continue supporting the organisation but will not participate in its day-to-day management.
• The succession plan is intended to maintain an aviation training operation that has provided flight instruction and aircraft hire for more than 30 years. The company's announcement did not disclose the financial terms of the ownership arrangement or a completion date for the shareholding transition.

About Andrewsfield Aviation
Andrewsfield Aviation is a UK flight training organisation based at Andrewsfield Aerodrome near Great Dunmow, Essex, providing Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Flight Instructor and Flight Examiner training, alongside aircraft hire and ground school instruction. Its aircraft roster lists 10 aircraft, comprising five Cessna 152s, four Piper PA-28 variants and one C42 microlight.

Source: Andrewsfield Aviation Ltd.