News

UK Airports Health and Safety Week ‘bigger than ever’

Today marks the start of UK Airports Health and Safety Week and the Airport Operators Association (AOA), in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority and sponsored by AOA member Leidos, will be highlighting the various activities our members will be engaging in. It aims to promote safety improvement and development through experience and learning and will run all week from Monday 15 – Sunday 21 May.

Airports, along with airlines, ground handlers, fire and rescue services and a host of other partners, the length and breadth of the UK will be involved in a series of events to raise awareness around airfield, passenger and staff safety, physical and mental wellbeing, new technologies available to airports, and community engagement. Events being organised by airports and their partners will range from runway safety tours and school visits with fire and rescue services, to nutrition and exercise sessions and dog therapy classes.

Commenting on the week-long series of activities, AOA’s Chief Executive, Karen Dee said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity and initiative for airports to showcase the work they do every day to improve health and safety across their operations. From making the passenger experience more comfortable and hassle-free; and keeping airfields safe and secure; to ensuring their workforces are supported and protected and working closely with local communities, airports of all sizes lead the way in health and safety. I am delighted that so many airports are participating and look forward to visiting some of them in the coming days.”

Also commenting on the week, Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said:

“The health and safety of passengers, staff and local communities is of paramount importance to airports, and it is good to see such positive, forward-thinking approaches being championed. I wish all those involved the best of luck in their activities this week.”

Rob Bishton, Joint-Interim Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“The UK is a world leader in aviation safety, and this in no small part due to the fantastic work our airports do to continuously improve how they keep passengers, staff and aircraft safe. Airports have a positive impact on the economic and social life of the country, and keeping them safe is vitally important to keeping us all moving. It is brilliant to see so many airports taking part in promoting this work during this UK Airports Health and Safety Week, which we are pleased to sponsor again.”

Notes to editor

  1. For further information, including a full list of airports participating, an ideas booklet and highlights of activities being run please visit our website: https://www.aoa.org.uk/uk-airports-health-safety-week/.
  2. For further information about the CAA, please visit caa.co.uk.
  3. For further information about Leidos, please visit www.leidos.com.