FTE Jerez Review: Complete Flight School Analysis – British Airways, Jet2, Iberia Partner

FTE Jerez (Flight Training Europe) is one of Europe's most prestigious and exclusive flight training organizations, with over 30 years of experience and more than 3,000 graduated pilots now flying for the world's leading airlines. Founded in 1988 as British Aerospace Flying College in Scotland and relocated to southern Spain in 1999, FTE Jerez operates from a purpose-built 45,000 sqm aviation campus offering approximately 300 days of sunshine annually. The school is an official training partner for British Airways, Jet2, Iberia, and numerous other airlines, with fully-funded cadet programs available.

School Overview

FTE Jerez traces its roots to the British Aerospace Flying College at Prestwick, Scotland, founded in 1988. The school relocated to Jerez de la Frontera in 1999 and became Flight Training Europe S.L. (FTEJerez) in 2003. Under CEO Oscar Sordo—recognized by Forbes Spain in 2025 as one of Spain's outstanding entrepreneurs—FTE Jerez has become a benchmark for airline pilot training quality.

Airline Partnerships

FTE Jerez has been associated with British Airways for nearly 30 years. Airline cadets now make up 73% of FTE's pilot trainees, with airline partners regularly visiting campus to conduct assessments and select students while still in training.

Current Airline Partners

FTE's Career Department monitors student progress throughout training to identify key abilities, creating airline-specific talent pools. Most self-sponsored graduates complete training with a First Officer position waiting upon graduation.

Training Programs

AFOP – Airline First Officer Programme

The flagship integrated ATPL course designed for candidates with little or no flying experience. Students complete the entire program at FTE's Jerez campus and graduate ready for airline Type Rating.

Total duration: 62 training weeks (59 weeks UK CAA), includes approximately 2 weeks Christmas closure. Students can add UK CAA licence in addition to EASA ATPL.

Additional Programs

• MPL (Multi-Pilot Licence): Airline-specific training with Type Rating included (e.g., Volotea MAPS)
• Modular Training: CPL/IR, APS MCC for pilots building on existing licences
• AUPRT: Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training
• Aviation Degree: Add official EU degree to your ATPL
• ATC Training: Full-scope Air Traffic Control programmes (first certified in Spain)

Costs & Pricing

What's Included

• Full board accommodation in Jerez (62 weeks)
• All flight training hours
• Ground school and CBT access
• Simulator training (FNPT II + B737 FFS)
• EASA examination fees
• APS MCC and JOC course
• Licence issue fees

Payment Schedule

Fleet & Simulators

FTE Jerez maintains one of Europe's largest and most modern training fleets. All aircraft have identical cockpit layouts within each type, ensuring no re-learning between sorties.

FTE Jerez is Europe's largest operator of Diamond DA42 NG aircraft. In December 2024, FTE ordered 20 new Piper Archer DX aircraft with 10 delivered immediately—a testament to their commitment to modern, sustainable training.

Simulators

• Boeing 737-800W FFTX: First in Europe (2009), UK CAA FSTD A approved, collimated 200° x 40° visuals, 3-DOF seat cueing
• Airbus A320: Full flight simulator for MCC/JOC
• DA42 FNPT II: Identical to aircraft, maximum training credits
• PA34 Seneca FNPT II: Collimated visuals, motion cueing
• ATC Simulators: Tower, Radar, and Approach simulators

Campus & Locations

FTE Campus – Jerez, Spain

The FTE Campus is a purpose-built 45,000 sqm aviation facility located within Jerez Airport's security perimeter. An additional 30,000 sqm annex—a former 4-star hotel called "La Parra"—provides accommodation and leisure facilities.

Additional Training Locations

• Trebujena Aerodrome: Satellite airfield 15km from campus, 800x18m asphalt runway, radio service sunrise to sunset (reopened October 2025 after upgrades)
• London Oxford Airport (NEW 2025): UK base opening late summer 2025, 2 Diamond DA42 aircraft, UK CAA licence training
• Regional Airports: Training flights to Malaga, Seville, Faro, and other international airports

Location Benefits

Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia offers exceptional training conditions: approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, uncongested airspace, and access to multiple international airports. The city is famous for sherry wine, horses, and flamenco, offering a vibrant cultural experience alongside training.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

• Minimum 17 years old at application (varies by program)
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Good level of English proficiency
• Hold or be eligible for EASA/UK CAA Class 1 Medical
• Valid passport with minimum 12 months validity
• Height between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.91m (6'3") for some programs
• Right to work in EU or UK (depending on program)

Assessment Process

FTE's assessment is free of charge and designed to discover airline captaincy potential. Sessions take place remotely weekly and monthly on-site at the Jerez campus.

1. English Test: For non-native speakers
2. Theoretical Tests: Numerical Reasoning, Numeracy, Maths & Physics, Verbal Reasoning
3. Computer-Based Aptitude Tests: Assessing pilot-specific skills
4. Interview: Final evaluation of candidate potential

Graduate Destinations

FTE Jerez graduates fly for airlines worldwide. Thanks to airline partnerships and the Career Department, most self-sponsored graduates secure positions shortly after completing training.