A flight school is stepping in to support customers left stranded after the collapse of another flight training centre at Teesside International Airport.
AeroSchool were responding to the sudden closure of Eden Flight Training, which prompted customers to take to social media saying they are owed money and have been unable to contact the firm.
Commercial pilot Mark Lee, who owns Eden Flight Training, claimed it has gone into administration.
Now AeroSchool, through an agreement with Into the Blue - a third-party experience day provider - is honouring valid, unredeemed vouchers purchased exclusively through Into the Blue, providing partial financial support to help affected individuals to finally experience the flight they paid for.
AeroSchool says the initial response suggests that in addition to those covered through this Into the Blue scheme, hundreds, if not more of Eden Flight Training’s customers may have been affected.
The flying school said while it is committed to helping as many people as possible, the high volume of affected customers means it will not be possible to help everyone.
AeroSchool managing director Tom Honeyman said: “It’s unacceptable for customers to be treated this way.
“Aviation is built on trust and reliability, and customers deserve to know that their investment is respected.
"Sadly due to the scale of the issue, we're unable to support all those affected, but we’re determined to deliver a genuine flight experience to as many people as possible.”
Eligible vouchers will display Into the Blue branding and must be both valid and unredeemed.
Mr Lee said earlier: “I am trying to make sure that people don’t lose out, so we do apologise for the situation.
"It wasn’t what we intended."
He added: "In the last couple of years, everything has just increased dramatically, like parts for aircraft fuel and airport landing fees. Everything has kept going up so much, so unfortunately we have had to close doors.
“We have been issuing quite a lot of refunds in the last two weeks to people owed money and we continue to work with customers to make sure they get the money back or get the flights done they have paid for.”
Affected customers are advised to contact AeroSchool directly at ops@aeroschool.com to arrange their flights.
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Additionally, AeroSchool is offering a 10% discount for those with an non-eligible flight voucher, which can be redeemed via making a purchase through their website, aeroschool.com and applying the coupon 'EDEN' during checkout (valid until the end of November).
AeroSchool says it is largest operator at Teesside Airport in terms of aircraft movements conducting thousands of flight experiences, supporting over 200 active students. Vouchers can also be redeemed at AeroSchools other bases at Humberside Airport and Breighton Airfield near York.
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