The local airports that are so much more than just a runway
Many UK airports are akin to community hubs with the support they provide regionally. We find out how airports have integrated with their customer base and the services they offer that go well beyond providing a landing space.
Airports are the gateway to our holidays – we often travel through them without so much as a backwards glance. So it may surprise you to find out just how embedded they are with their local communities, from providing play spaces for children and source markets for local produce to inspiring future generations with career ideas and helping older people come together. Here’s a few things we’ve learned about our regional airports’ community-minded spirits.
PLAYTIME IN THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Manchester airport runs a Flight Academy programme at its Runway Visitor Park, which gives children aged 4-7 and 8-12 the chance to sit in the cockpit of a real plane. They also learn about the different roles that keep the airport in operation, from check-in to the airfield team; can watch planes landing and taking off; and take a tour of retired aircraft including a Concorde and former RAF military spy plane Nimrod.
There’s a play area and a cafe, making it a grand day out, all for the bargain price of £12 for a ticket for one adult and one child. Dates are available in February half-term (Mon 13 Feb-Sun 26 Feb), and Paul Emblow, manager of the Runway Visitor Park, advises: “The Runway Visitor Park is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the North West, and Flight Academy sessions tend to sell out fast. I would encourage booking early to avoid disappointment.”
GREENER FUTURE GRANTS
Luton airport is piloting a scheme offering support to local community groups and charities demonstrating a commitment to increasing biodiversity and helping carbon reduction. Organisations based and working within a five-mile radius of the airport were able to apply for grants of up to £10,000 before the application window closed on 30 January.
David Vazquez, head of sustainability at London Luton airport, says: “We have set an ambition to achieve Net Zero for airport emissions by 2040 – 10 years ahead of the government target. To help us achieve this ambitious target, we will be awarding grants to initiatives that enhance and protect our local environment or that involve environmentally sustainable products or services that will enhance the local environment or conservation areas.”
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
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