Andrewsfield Aviation has been given a new future after TV chef and newly qualified private pilot Jamie Oliver stepped in to help prevent the Essex airfield and flying school from closing.
The long-running aviation operation near Braintree had faced an uncertain future as directors Mike Rowland and Carol Cooper prepared for their eventual retirement from the day-to-day running of the business. Without a suitable succession plan, Andrewsfield Aviation Ltd said closure had become a realistic possibility.
That outcome has now been avoided. Jamie Oliver, who recently gained his Private Pilot Licence after training at Andrewsfield, worked behind the scenes to help develop and facilitate a new ownership arrangement that will keep the operation going.
A New Chapter for Andrewsfield Aviation
Under the new arrangement, long-time Andrewsfield pilot Marc Naylor - known around the airfield as 'Blondie' - is taking over as the major shareholder and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of Andrewsfield Aviation Ltd.
Naylor has a long association with the airfield and returned after around a decade flying air ambulance operations in Devon. He later completed his Flight Instructor Rating at Andrewsfield and has remained involved with the operation.
His stated aim is to protect the character and community of Andrewsfield while developing the business for the future.
Jamie Oliver will continue to support Andrewsfield and its community, but the official announcement makes clear that he will not be responsible for the company's day-to-day management.
From Student Pilot to Helping Secure the Airfield's Future
Jamie Oliver’s involvement has an unusually personal connection to the airfield.
The Essex-born chef trained at Andrewsfield and gained his PPL during summer 2026. After learning that the operation could close without a succession plan, he became involved in finding a way forward.
Andrewsfield's owners credit him with working behind the scenes over recent months and providing support that helped facilitate the new ownership arrangements.
It is therefore more accurate to say Jamie helped save Andrewsfield than that he simply bought the airfield himself. Marc Naylor becomes the major shareholder and operational lead, while Jamie remains closely involved as a supporter.
Carol Cooper to Remain Head of Training
There is also continuity on the training side.
Carol Cooper will remain at Andrewsfield as Head of Training, instructor and examiner. She has accumulated more than 27,000 flying hours during her aviation career and now has her sights set on 30,000.
That continuity should be particularly welcome for existing students and members as the operation moves into its new ownership structure.
Why Andrewsfield Matters to UK General Aviation
Andrewsfield has been at the heart of its local aviation community for more than 30 years, providing flight training, aircraft hire and a base for aircraft owners and pilots.
The licensed grass airfield sits near Braintree and around 12 miles east of Stansted, operating within a particularly interesting area of South East England airspace. Andrewsfield currently advertises PPL and commercial training, ground school and a range of additional flying courses.
The site also has a much longer aviation history, having been used by British and American military aviation during the Second World War.
For general aviation, however, the significance is not only historical. Flying schools and accessible GA airfields are difficult to replace once they disappear. Keeping Andrewsfield operating means another place remains available for people to learn to fly, hire aircraft and participate in the wider aviation community.
Some Good News for UK GA
UK general aviation has become accustomed to stories about airfields under development pressure or facing uncertain futures. Andrewsfield is a welcome example of a different outcome.
This was not primarily a planning battle or redevelopment proposal. The immediate threat came from succession: long-standing owners approaching retirement without somebody in place to take the operation forward.
Finding a new major shareholder and operator means the flying school and aviation operation can continue rather than simply reaching the end of the road when its existing management steps back.
For the pilots, students, instructors and aircraft owners who use Andrewsfield, that is very good news.
What Happens Next?
There will inevitably be changes as Marc Naylor takes over the running of Andrewsfield Aviation Ltd, but the stated objective is to preserve the airfield's character while developing its future.
The existing team and training operation will continue, with Carol Cooper remaining Head of Training and Jamie Oliver continuing his involvement as a supporter.
For now, the most important part of the announcement is simple: Andrewsfield Aviation has a future, and another UK general aviation flying school has avoided closure.
About Andrewsfield Aerodrome
- Location: Stebbing, near Braintree, Essex.
- Status: Civil licensed airfield.
- Runways: Grass.
- Activities include flight training, aircraft hire and aircraft parking or hangarage subject to availability.
- Flying training advertised by Andrewsfield includes PPL, CPL and additional specialist courses.
- Visiting pilots are welcome subject to PPR and published airfield procedures.
- Flying School