The local airports that are so much more than just a runway

A CHANCE TO SOCIALISE 

Manchester airport runs an annual Autumn Leaves event, which provides a free hot lunch for local over-65s. Last November more than 150 retirees enjoyed the three-course lunch at Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, which was themed We’ll Meet Again. The entertainment comprised bingo and a raffle plus 1940s singer the Lancashire Belle. 

Chris Woodroofe, managing director of Manchester airport, says: “We are incredibly proud to play our part in bringing our neighbouring communities together, improving people’s lives and ensuring they share in the benefits of having a major international airport nearby.” 

KEEPING PEOPLE WARM 

Norwich airport has donated a television to a community “warm room” set up to help people struggling with their energy bills this winter. The room in Hellesdon Community Centre is designed to be a place where local residents worried about heating their homes can come and relax, and features comfy sofas, board games, books and magazines. The high-tech screen provided by the airport has a built-in Amazon Firestick device. 

Managing director Richard Pace says: “Norwich airport has always enjoyed close links with our local community, and this new warm room is a fantastic initiative, given the prohibitive cost of energy bills right now, and we hope it provides comfort and entertainment where needed.” 

TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION 

Belfast International airport has an apprentice programme, which sees four recruits enrolled onto a two-year programme, giving them experience in both airport operations and the rescue and firefighting division. Human resources manager Jaclyn Coulter says: “Our apprenticeship programme gives us the opportunity to carve out an individual route for each apprentice whilst developing the specialist skills that are required within the airport environment. We are committed to supporting new talent and recognise the skills and benefits those apprentices will bring to the organisation."

With the airport employing more than 1,850 people, Coulter adds: “The new apprentices will play an integral role supporting future growth and innovation for the airport, and the programme will continue to attract and retain local talent.” 

NOISE MANAGEMENT 

An example of where an airport might clash with the surrounding community is on the subject of noise, but Edinburgh is an example of an airport working with local residents to mitigate the issues. 

The airport’s environmental noise advisor engages with local communities on issues of noise; the airport aims to respond to all complaints about noise within five days; and it has an insulation scheme in place to provide new windows and doors for properties in close proximity to the flight path to lessen the noise intrusion.

It’s also one of the only airports in the UK to have a noise advisory board to engage with local communities around noise, its impact and the airport’s management of it. The board meets once a month and is made up of local councillors, airport representatives and an independent chair. Locals can also find transparent information, data and live flight tracking via the airport’s Noise Lab site (noiselab.casper.aero/edi/). 

Gordon Robertson, Edinburgh airport’s director of communications and sustainability, says: “As an airport it is important we are a good neighbour to the communities closest to us, sharing the benefits of our growth with them while also mitigating any negative impacts associated with our operation.” 

INSPIRING CHILDREN AND ROUTES 

Newcastle airport has various ways of engaging with the youth in the north-east, encouraging them to pursue careers in aviation. Through its Aviation Academy Ambassador programme, students from Newcastle College can gain experience working in the airport. Plus last year team members attended STEMFest at St James’ Park, which aims to inspire school children to take up STEM subjects, and the Youth Climate Summit with Newcastle City Council, where they shared the airport’s Carbon Net Zero 2035 strategy. 

Graeme Mason, chief sustainability and communications officer, adds: “Our local engagement also allows us to understand consumer demands, which can influence airline routes. For example, we identified a demand for an Athens route after focus groups with Greek members of our community.” 

PROMOTING LOCAL SUPPLIERS 

At the end of 2022, Luton airport held a networking event highlighting local business opportunities. The event was attended by more than 60 local businesses looking to find out more about bidding for contracts at the airport. Delivering economic benefit through the local supply chain is a key priority for the airport – in 2021, 35% of its total supply chain was with suppliers based within a 20-mile radius of the airport. 

Terry Gittins, head of procurement, says: “At London Luton airport we are committed to broadening our relationships with local suppliers wherever possible. As well as being more sustainable, local procurement brings the benefit of local skills and knowledge for the airport, as well as exciting employment opportunities for local businesses and people.” 

MAKING MEMORIES 

Bournemouth airport works with Fly2Help, a charity which uses aviation experiences to help people during difficult times in their lives. Most recently, with the help of the airport, the charity organised an Air Smiles Day for a local family, who were in need of a day to create special memories. After a 15-minute scenic helicopter flight, back at the airport Bournemouth’s fire trucks gave VIP rides and showed off their water cannons, before the family went for a spin in supercars from Harry Potter and Back to the Future. 

Liv Peitragalla, Fly2Help’s Air Smiles co-ordinator, says: “These days are all about putting smiles on people’s faces and creating experiences they will never, ever forget.” 

To nominate a family going through a challenging time for an uplifting flight experience on an Air Smiles Day, visit fly2help.org