ESMA Aviation Academy (Airways Aviation ESMA)
France · EASA ATO (DGAC-approved)
ESMA Aviation Academy (Ecole Superieure des Metiers de l'Aerien) is a multi-discipline aviation training school in Montpellier, southern France, and part of the global Airways Aviation network. It trains airline pilots as well as cabin crew, aircraft maintenance engineers, ground handlers and UAV pilots.
Established in 1988 and based at Montpellier Mediterranean Airport, ESMA is EASA approved as an Approved Training Organisation and operates an 11,600 square metre campus with direct airfield access, four flight simulators and on-site student accommodation. Its courses include the Airline Pilot (EASA ATP) program, aircraft maintenance training under Part 145 and Part 147, cabin crew training, ground handling and UAV pilot training. As part of Airways Aviation, its fleet consists of Diamond DA40 and DA42 aircraft plus Cessna 172 and 182 aircraft. Group approvals span EASA, CASA, UAE GCAA, Kuwait DGCA and CAAC.
School facts
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Region | Occitanie (Montpellier) |
| Base airport | Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (LFMT) |
| Regulator | EASA ATO (DGAC-approved) |
| Courses | PPL CPL IR Multi-engine Integrated ATPL |
| Fleet | Diamond DA40, DA40 IFR, DA42, DA42 G1000 + 4 flight simulators |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Website | esma.fr |
Key facts
- Country: France; based at Montpellier Mediterranean Airport (LFMT)
- Established 1988; EASA-approved Approved Training Organisation
- Part of the global Airways Aviation network
- Fleet of Diamond DA40 and DA42 plus Cessna 172 and 182 aircraft
- Multi-discipline: airline pilot (EASA ATP), maintenance (Part 145/147), cabin crew, ground handling, UAV
- 11,600 sq m campus with four simulators and on-site student accommodation
Frequently asked questions
Where is ESMA Aviation Academy located?
When was ESMA founded?
What programs does ESMA offer?
Sources
- https://www.esma.fr/
- https://www.airwaysaviation.com/country/france
- https://www.pilotcareernews.com/airways-aviation-acquires-french-training-academy/
- https://pilotcareercenter.com/Pilot-Training-Flight-School/Europe/France/5289/Airways-Aviation-Academy---ESMA
Last verified 2026-07-13. Professionally-public, sourced information only.