OSM Aviation Academy to Establish US Flagship Campus at Arkansas Airport with Plans for 100 Aircraft

Arkansas, USA – The City of Fayetteville and OSM Aviation Academy have announced the establishment of a new commercial pilot training school at Drake Field following unanimous approval of a lease agreement by the Fayetteville City Council on March 17, 2026. The five-year lease agreement authorizes OSM Aviation Academy to operate within existing facilities at Drake Field, positioning Fayetteville as a growing hub for commercial aviation training and workforce development.

“Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas were love at first sight for me. The spirit of the City, the beauty of the area and the ‘can do’ mentality of the people were all important factors when we made our decision to invest,” said Bjorn Larsen, owner of OSM Group. “I am thankful for the enthusiastic and professional attitude we have been met with by everyone we have interacted with, and look forward to contribute to making NWA a major center for aviation and aerial mobility in America.”

The Fayetteville location will serve as a new U.S.-based commercial pilot training hub, with operations expected to begin in the coming weeks. Initial operations will launch with a small fleet and student cohort, with the ability to scale significantly over time. At full buildout, the program has the potential to support up to 100 aircraft, produce approximately 700 graduates annually and create hundreds of jobs, positioning Fayetteville, Arkansas, as a national leader in commercial aviation training and workforce development.

Mayor Molly Rawn said the project reflects Fayetteville’s ability to compete for high-impact opportunities that strengthen the local economy by bringing jobs “Fayetteville is proving we can compete for projects that bring real opportunity to our community,” Rawn said. “This investment strengthens Drake Field, creates new jobs and brings new energy and activity to our City. This is the kind of opportunity Fayetteville is working to attract, and we’re proud to have landed it.”

This training academy will bring students from across Europe and around the world to Fayetteville for their studies, establishing the City as a destination for global aviation training. Over time, the program is anticipated to serve hundreds of students annually, contributing to local economic activity through housing, retail and broader community engagement, while also supporting the growing global demand for commercial pilots. It also will create new workforce pathways for local residents, with training opportunities becoming available to Arkansas students beginning in 2027, expanding access to careers in the high-demand aviation sector.

“Drake Field and Fayetteville are the perfect location for OSM Aviation Academy’s flagship U.S. training hub. Its year-round flyable climate, accessible airport and airspace, and vibrant university-city give students the ideal setting for intensive professional aviation training. The welcoming spirit and forward-looking mindset of the leadership and residents of Fayetteville make this the right place to shape the future of aviation – fostering a workforce of Airline Ready pilots and building a strong regional ecosystem of aviation talent," said Martin Floor, CEO of OSM Aviation Academy. 

About OSM Aviation Academy
OSM Aviation Academy is one of the largest flight training institutions in Europe, delivering professional pilot training to both individuals and airline partners since 1963. Headquartered in Arendal, Norway, the Academy provides “Airline Ready” training programs designed to prepare pilots for immediate entry into commercial aviation careers. With training locations in Norway, Sweden and the United States, OSM Aviation Academy brings more than 55 years of experience in aviation education and workforce development, supporting the global demand for highly skilled commercial pilots.

Source: OSM Aviation Academy