FTA Global’s new boss, Sean Jacobs
Shoreham-based training organisation FTA Global has announced new plans for the flight school, underpinned by significant investment and a new managing director, Sean Jacobs, who joined in March 2020 as both MD and co-owner.
FTA founder Tony Realff is taking a step back and remains as executive chairman. He said, “I have worked in aviation for well over 50 years and FTA Global is the third highly successful business that I have built in that time.
“Sean brings with him more than 25 years of commercial leadership experience from a list of significant global companies, including O2, The World Bank and Unilever. Sean also has a strong hands.on track record growing smaller companies which will be key for FTA Global.”
Sean explained what he has planned for the school over the next five years, “I left school to join the Royal Air Force, gaining a commission and starting my flying training before I was 21, so I completely understand the ambitions, the expectations and the dreams of all of the students at this school.
“My goal over the next five years is to develop FTA Global from great to exceptional – ensuring that we continue to invest in an innovative approach to flying training, whilst maintaining the friendly and professional atmosphere that both former graduates and current students continue to identify as one of the main differentiators between us and other commercial flying schools.”
A cadet pilot at FTA receiving flight instruction. Photos: FTA Global
Plans include:
- Continued fleet upgrades to ensure a student “flies the best – with the best” and more aircraft, both twin and single engine
- Increase in training capacity through the doubling of ground school facilities
- A second IFR flight simulator
- On-site engineering. The school has kept aircraft maintenance on site, working closely with sister company, Apollo Aviation, to minimise downtime and disruption to the flying schedule.
Sean added, “We are increasing investment in our staff, equipment and facilities to ensure we maintain our high teaching standards, maintain our enviable student satisfaction and continue to operate and upgrade our modern fleet of training aircraft and simulators.”
FTA Global remains operational through the C-19 crisis, providing theoretical instruction online.
