Aeralis Picks Prestwick for Modular Jet Trainer

Aeralis has chosen Prestwick as the production hub for its next-generation modular jet trainer.

The Aeralis Prestwick decision names Prestwick International Airport in Ayrshire, Scotland, as the site to develop and assemble the company’s modular jet trainer platform. The move signals a step forward for UK aerospace manufacturing and aims to support both military and commercial pilot training solutions with a configurable, light-jet approach.

Why Aeralis Prestwick matters

Locating production at Prestwick brings the prototype and assembly work closer to an established Scottish aerospace cluster, with access to airfield infrastructure and a skilled engineering workforce. Aeralis’ modular design targets customers looking for training flexibility: the same basic airframe can be configured for different roles, reducing lifecycle costs for operators and training organisations.

The company has pitched the modular jet trainer as a bridge between advanced turboprops and front-line fast jets, intended for ab initio (initial) and advanced jet training. While specific production timelines and contract details were not provided in the initial announcement, the selection of Prestwick highlights local and national ambitions to strengthen the UK’s advanced aviation capabilities and supply chains.

Local manufacturing: Aeralis Prestwick production will concentrate development and assembly at Prestwick Airport, supporting regional skills.
Modular design: A single airframe tailored to multiple training roles, lowering operator costs.
Dual market: Targeted at military and commercial flight training organisations seeking modern jet trainers.

For trainees and operators, the promise is a modern, upgradable jet trainer that can evolve with avionics and mission systems. For the region, the project could mean more engineering and manufacturing roles, apprenticeship opportunities, and closer ties between design teams and test facilities. Observers will be watching for details on production schedules, expected employment numbers, and any government or industry partnerships that help scale the programme.

As Aeralis moves from concept toward production, Prestwick’s selection is a practical vote of confidence in the airport’s capacity to host advanced aircraft projects and in the UK’s ability to nurture next-generation aviation technology.