Covid-19 has hit the aviation industry hard, but the Gloucestershire firm Skyborne is showing no lack of ambition in future growth for itself and its sector – with another serious investment in Gloucestershire.
Started by three entrepreneurs, as well as its triumphant overseas takeover of US rival Vero Beach, Staverton-headquartered Skyborne Airline Academy has been investing heavily in Cheltenham too, opening new accommodation for its trainee pilots.
Lee Woodward, chief executive officer at Skyborne Airline Academy, which is based at Gloucestershire Airport, said: ‘We’re very proud to say we have built Skyborne from the ground up.
‘In 2019, we completed our purpose built 13,000 square foot airline training centre and headquarters at Gloucestershire Airport. Now, this spring we open our new accommodation centre in Cheltenham.’
Evans Jones dealt with the planning application for the Lansdown Road property to be converted from use by the University of Gloucestershire to students enrolled on Skyborne’s pilot training courses.
‘Choosing a central location was important to us, as we wanted to offer a campus-style experience and allow trainees to have access to the wonderful amenities that Cheltenham has to offer, providing the best of both worlds,’ said Mr Woodward, who runs the business with chairman, Tom Misner and chief operating officer, Ian Cooper.
The accommodation provides 88 trainees with their own private, ensuite bedrooms, a kitchen on each floor, laundry facilities and a large common room.
‘We are confident our accommodation will give our trainees the best possible environment to flourish in.’
An official opening is due in May 2021.
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