Press Release

Issued by Kemble Air Services.

October 26, 2009

A joint venture between two of the biggest names in aviation is set to relocate to Cotswold Airport.

The decision, by Lufthansa Resource Technical Training (LRTT), to move its engineering training facility to the site, is set to create jobs and provide an economic boost for the local community.

LRTT is a partnership between Lufthansa Technical Training and Resource Group. Work has recently started on a new purpose-built facility at the airport.

The move, which is set to take place in May next year, will see many of the company’s staff relocate from their existing bases in St Athan and Cwmbran.

A number of new employees will also be sought to replace those that aren’t making the move across the border and further expansion of the workforce is also envisaged.

The company provides ground-based training at all levels of aviation engineering, ranging from the training of basic apprentices to the enhancement of skills for experienced licensed engineers.

Student throughput was in excess of 1,000 worldwide in 2008.

However, it has grown out of its current Welsh base and is moving into a new 30,000sq ft purpose built facility at Cotswold Airport, which will include offices, classrooms, engineering workshops, composites and avionics, together with hangarage for an airliner and helicopter, which will be used for practical training.

Lufthansa Resource’s general manager Ian Fitzpatrick said the move would be beneficial for everyone.

He said: “We’re delighted to be moving to Cotswold Airport, who were very pro-active in attracting us to the area.

“We found the people at Cotswold Airport extremely supportive and more inclined to remove obstacles than put them in our way.

“We were looking for a facility to maintain and enhance the company image and a brand new facility is ideal for us.”

“As well as the business benefit, we can also see many positive aspects for the local community with staff relocation and job creation.

“Then there are the economic spin-offs. For example, we put quarter of a million pounds worth of business into hotels near our existing base in 2008 alone. We also get involved with local schools and businesses as well as engaging our clients to employ and train apprentices for aviation from the local area in which we are based, I am sure that we will attract students from the Cotswolds to this model.”

Work started on the new facility three weeks ago and it is due to be completed at the end of May.

The new centre is due to open on June 1, 2010, and it is part of an ongoing major investment programme by the airport.

Gulf, which has only recently expanded its traditional ground-based interests into aviation, has made Cotswold Airport its first major customer of Avgas and jet fuel in the South West, and, as part of its commitment to the project, has upgraded fuel storage and bowser facilities across the site.

A ‘rotors running’ refuelling service is now available for helicopters, making the process faster and more efficient, and pilots refuelling with Avgas are able to take advantage of service station-style credit card payment system directly at the bowser.

In addition to the first class refuelling system, Cotswold Airport has undertaken a number of improvements to other facilities in recent months, including new hangars and a newly laid grass runway, which has been extended by 100m to 550m in length.

Airport estates director Lee Paul said the Lufthansa Resource decision was a further example of the positive steps being taken at the airport.

He said: “To attract a household name like Lufthansa Resource to Cotswold Airport is great news and clearly indicates the positive direction in which we are heading.

“The new facility will enable the training centre to be situated under one roof in what will be a highly modern and spacious purpose-built hangar.

“Of course, it will be good for both Lufthansa and the airport in general, but the benefits for the local community and economy will be there for all to see.”

Airport owner Ronan Harvey said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome the facility to Cotswold Airport knowing that it will prove to be such a positive boost for all concerned.

“The benefits clearly indicate our commitment to both our tenants and the surrounding community as a whole.”