One of Crawley’s largest employers Thales completed the sale of its civil fixed-wing flight simulation activities to New York company L-3 Communications yesterday (Wednesday August 8).
L-3 have stated an intention to continue to operate in Crawley, and having completed a consultation process, employees in that segment of the company will transfer businesses.
The organisation has its main base of operations in Crawley’s Manor Royal and will be known as L-3 Link Simulation and Training UK Ltd. The transaction also includes its flight simulation training centre located in Bangkok, Thailand.
Marion Broughton, head of Thales UK’s aerospace business, said: “Thales will continue to develop its military simulation system capabilities, which will remain part of our key product portfolio.
“We feel that L-3 Communications Link Simulation and Training UK Ltd will be well positioned to maximise the potential of the civil simulation business.”
Thales will retain and continue to develop its simulation and training business in military and government markets, as well as rotary-wing aircraft civil and military markets.
The agreement includes a partnership with the buyer to secure the supply chain of civil components that Thales may require for its military business.