Global – Airways Aviation, one of the largest aviation and pilot training group’s in the world operating pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia/Australia, India and Africa, has shared the following statement in regards to its France based operation’s (Airways Aviation ESMA);

Airways Aviation Group confirms that, following a decision of the French Commercial Court, the French operating entity known as SAS Airways Aviation Academy – located in Montpellier, France, will enter a court-ordered liquidation process with effect from 23 January 2026.

This outcome follows a criminal arson attack on 20 May 2025 at Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport, during which 13 aircraft and critical operational assets were attacked. The incident occurred within a secured airport zone and had devastating and immediate consequences for the French operation.

Since that event, the Company and its shareholder have expended substantial capital, energy and management resources to stabilise operations, support students and staff, maintain facilities and explore every viable pathway to recovery. Despite these sustained efforts and notwithstanding the Company’s continued commitment, the Court has decided to proceed with closure and liquidation of the French entity.

We recognise that this decision has serious consequences for students, employees, instructors and creditors and we express our sincere regret and empathy for the uncertainty and disruption they face. Throughout this process, the priority has been (and remains) to act responsibly, transparently and in good faith toward all affected parties.

It is important to state very clearly that SAS Airways Aviation Academy – France is the victim of a catastrophic criminal act, compounded by significant operational deficiencies that are now the subject of formal legal proceedings.

In parallel, the Shareholder intends to work constructively and transparently with the Court-appointed Liquidator to ensure that the Company’s legal claim against SA Aéroport de Montpellier Méditerranée is actively preserved and pursued as a material asset of the estate, in the interests of creditors and other stakeholders.

Subject always to the authority of the Court and without prejudice to any party’s rights, the Company has also indicated its willingness to engage in good-faith discussions with the Liquidator and relevant stakeholders to explore whether alternative training pathways or transition solutions may be identified for affected students and cadets, to the extent reasonably possible within the applicable legal and procedural framework.

Accordingly, the Company and its estate stakeholders have served a legal claim against SA Aéroport de Montpellier Méditerranée seeking compensation for several tens of millions of euros, covering aircraft destruction, operational losses, loss of enterprise value, reputational damage, and the forced cessation of the Montpellier business. This claim has been prepared following extensive professional advice and is now proceeding through formal legal channels.

Independent professional advice received confirms that the case against Aéroport de Montpellier Méditerranée is strong and that the issues of liability, causation and compensation will now be determined through mediation and/or by the French courts.

The liquidation of the French operating entity does not reflect a failure of the Airways Aviation Group which continues to operate actively and remains committed to the highest standards of aviation training and safety across other parts of our global network.

While today’s decision marks the end of the French entity’s operations, it does not mark the end of accountability. The Group remains fully committed to pursuing the legal process to its conclusion, in the interests of the estate, creditors and all affected stakeholders.

Further updates will be provided as appropriate and as permitted by ongoing legal proceedings.

Source: Airways Aviation