Oxford Airline Training Hosts Draken Training Leadership in August 2026

United Kingdom – UK CAA-approved training organisation Oxford Airline Training (OAT) hosted senior training leaders from special-mission aviation company Draken at London Oxford Airport at the end of August, with the visitors reviewing OAT’s facilities and operating both its Boeing 737NG and Airbus A320 simulators.

• The Draken visit was OAT’s third VIP industry visit during August 2026, following visits from Loganair’s pilot recruitment team and Jet2’s pilot recruitment representatives earlier in the month.
• Draken representatives travelled from the company’s operational bases at Bournemouth and Teesside to OAT’s Hangar 7 facility at London Oxford Airport. During the visit they reviewed the training operation and test flew both OAT’s Boeing 737NG FTD1 and Airbus A320 FTD1 devices.
• Draken also briefed OAT trainees and staff on its specialist aviation activities and potential flying career pathways. OAT said the discussion included opportunities that may be relevant to pilot graduates seeking alternatives to conventional airline operations.
• Draken’s UK operations support military and government training across adversary air, electronic warfare and other special-mission activities. Its current careers information identifies Learjet 60XR, Falcon 20, Diamond DA42 MPP, Islander, Aero L-159 and Challenger 604 aircraft within its operating fleet.
• Under a £173 million UK Ministry of Defence contract announced in January 2025, Draken is using 14 Dassault Falcon 20s, one Diamond DA42 and eight L-159E aircraft to provide operational-readiness training from Bournemouth and Teesside, including simulated air-to-air, electronic-warfare and maritime threat activity.
• OAT’s August employer-engagement programme began with Loganair’s recruitment team attending its August 8 Discovery Day, where prospective and current pilots could discuss airline recruitment directly with the carrier.
• Jet2 representatives subsequently spent a full day at OAT reviewing its aircraft, training facilities and simulators and discussing future pilot requirements and opportunities for candidates following the modular route.
• AFM previously reported that OAT’s dedicated training inventory comprises six Diamond DA42 TDI aircraft, one Super Decathlon, two DA42 TDI FNPT II devices, one Airbus A320 FTD1 and one Boeing 737NG FTD1. Its EXPEDITE pathway combines 40 hours of DA42 flying, 40 hours of DA42 simulator training, 40 hours of A320 or B737NG APS MCC training and five hours of Advanced UPRT/aerobatic flying. 

Source: Oxford Airline Training