Shona Campbell

Based at Perth Airport, AST was established in 1931 to provide approved courses in aircraft engineering and has trained over 190,000 engineers and pilots from approximately 150 countries.

The company has struggled financially post pandemic due to falling student numbers, reduced commercial contracts and rising costs, which have put significant strain on its cash flow. It’s owner, UHI Perth has stepped in to provide funding to ensure the BSc in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Management programme will continue until the end of the academic year. However, all other courses will end immediately.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Campbell said: “AST has faced prolonged financial challenges, making this a difficult but necessary decision.

“Our priority now is to support staff and ensure they receive the support and assistance they are entitled to. We will work closely with all affected parties to manage this transition as smoothly as possible and ensure optimum returns to creditors, including students.”

AST has 28 employees, some of whom will be retained until the summer to deliver the BSc course. 164 students are currently attending courses in the UK, of which 46 are on the BSc. A further 98 attend AST courses at overseas locations.

A spokesperson for UHI Perth said: “AST has been experiencing financial challenges for some time. The Board of the Company has been considering its future and, having exhausted all options to save the Company, has taken the difficult decision to place AST in administration.’

“Our primary concern throughout the process has been our staff and our students, and we have worked with the administrator in an attempt to ensure the most acceptable possible outcome for all of them.”

The aviation regulatory bodies UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have been informed of the decision and will work with the administrator to ensure their regulatory and statutory requirements are respected.