The Airways Aviation school, located in Fréjorgues near Montpellier airport, was placed into liquidation on January 16th, following a decision by the Montpellier Commercial Court. This announcement has caused concern among approximately one hundred students in training, as well as the teaching and administrative staff, particularly after the significant financial losses suffered by the institution due to an arson attack in May 2025. The students, especially the trainee pilots, now face significant financial and academic challenges, while the staff is rallying to support them through this difficult time. Growing concern among students and staff
On Friday, January 16th, students and employees of Airways Aviation learned that the institution, formerly known as ESMA, had been placed into liquidation. This decision, announced at a meeting late that afternoon, has yet to be finalized. However, it has already sparked serious concern among the trainees and staff.
For the students, especially those training to be pilots, the loss is immense. The amounts invested in these studies range from a minimum of €10,000 to an average of €70,000 to €80,000. As Ludwig Jammes points out, who only needs two more flight hours to complete one phase of his training, uncertainty reigns regarding their academic and financial future. For Ludwig, the first action was to secure the remaining funds by contacting his bank. The institution has received authorization to temporarily continue its operations until the following Thursday, which offers a slim chance for a few students to complete their training. Educational solidarity and uncertain prospects
The teaching staff have shown unwavering support in the face of this crisis. Sandrine Pisciotta, the administrative manager for pilot training, dedicated the entire day to the students, who were deeply worried. She emphasized the staff’s commitment to them, despite the scale of the financial losses, which make any recovery uncertain. Laurence Briqué-Sauveterre, in charge of flight attendant training, shares a similar distress. Overwhelmed by calls from distraught students and their families, she had to inform them of the liquidation proceedings by email, while regretting the lack of precise information on potential reimbursement procedures. She must reconcile the human dimension of this situation with the absence of immediate solutions. Communications were also sent to inform future students, whose enrollment was scheduled, of the unexpected changes. A waning enthusiasm among employees
The institution, well-established in the region, carries an educational legacy that its alumni and employees cherish. Meriem Ouzani, a former flight attendant and current instructor at the school, doesn’t hide her sorrow. She recalls the previous difficulties and the renewed hopes that arose with the arrival of Airways Aviation, after the ordeal of receivership.
With the liquidation, it’s “the end of an era” for many staff members who saw the school contribute to Montpellier’s regional prestige, despite some tumultuous episodes.
An arson attack with disastrous consequences
In May 2025, the school suffered a huge blow with the arson attack on thirteen of its aircraft. The damage was estimated at over €3 million.
These losses were described by Mauro Calvano, president of the Airways Aviation group, as “an unprecedented attack on civil aviation.” The repercussions of this act were felt not only financially, but also led to the cancellation of significant collaborations, such as the planned training program with Etihad Airways.
The damage suffered by the school intensified the current crisis, exacerbating the institution’s fragility and unfortunately precipitating its liquidation.
The closure of the Airways Aviation school in Fréjorgues represents a significant loss for the local community and for all those involved in its activities. In this climate of uncertainty, the search for new opportunities remains a priority for all those concerned.
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