BBGA names Inflite The Jet Centre’s Ben Newman recipient of its ‘Excellence in Aviation Next Generation’ Award

Emphasising the importance of attracting young people into aviation, The British Business General Aviation Association (BBGA) was pleased to announce Ben Newman, Group Business Development Manager at Inflite, The Jet Centre, as recipient of its 2024 Excellence in Aviation – Next Generation award. This category recognises the achievements of outstanding next-gen professionals who have made a significant impact in their business aviation role. Ben accepted the accolade from Gavin Thompson, Senior Regional Sales Manager Worldwide at Gulfstream who were the premier awards sponsor at the Association’s Christmas Drinks Reception, held at the Little Ship Club in London last week. The event was attended by some 150 business aviation industry guests.

Ben joined Inflite in 2023 after seven years in the Royal Air Force, serving as Logistics Officer, a role which included a tour of duty in Afghanistan. He joined the Civil Airhead Duties (CAD) Department based out of Northolt, which took him to Inflite. On leaving the MoD, Ben secured a settlement placement at Inflite in September 2023. It led to a permanent role of Group Business Development Manager and he was recently appointed as Business Development Manager for Inflite the Jet Centre.

Pauline Monksfield, CEO and Deputy Accountable Manager at Inflite The Jet Centre commented: “Since joining us nine months ago, Ben is now overseeing a Business Development Team. His enthusiasm and desire to learn about the industry is second to none. He has forged new customer relationships and developed existing ones. A good manager and excellent team player, Ben’s impact on the team was evident from the start. We look forward to seeing him grow and develop his skills even further.”

BBGA Chair Aoife O’Sullivan commented: “We congratulate Ben on this award and wish him every success with his business aviation career. I would also like to recognise all the exceptionally talented nominees who participated in this award.”

Highly commended in the ‘The Next Generation’ Award included: Nicola-Jane Sellars, Luxaviation’s Group Sustainability Manager, who also serves as Chair of the Air Charter Association’s (ACA) NextGen Group, a member of its Sustainability and Innovation working group and recipient of the prestigious Sir Michael Marshall Award for Sustainability in Aviation 2022. Also commended were Kerry Baldwin, Farnborough Airport’s Service Coordinator, who led the planning, preparation and co-ordination for Farnborough International Airshow 2024; Mathea Head, Gama Aviation’s Sales and Marketing Manager, for driving new business growth and enhancing brand awareness for Gama and FlyerTech. Alex Hughes, TAG Aviation Limited, Office Coordinator, was also lauded for continuing to exceed expectations in her role. Alex is the face of TAG Aviation Limited and has a passion for helping colleagues and peers, as well as organising and raising money for charity. Colleague Billy Cook, Apprentice, TAG Aviation Limited was also praised for his strong work ethic, passion for learning, and a remarkable ability to adapt to the fast-paced demands of TAG’s operation. Saffah Bashir, Level 3 Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice BSUK, also demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and a proactive approach. Saffah, who trained at London Biggin Hill Airport, has excelled in every aspect of her apprenticeship, and individually raised over £10,000 for various charities. She is an ambassador for women in engineering.

BBGA is involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting careers in aviation, highlighted in its #BizavEnables social media campaign and through its collaboration with Stansted Airport College and support of the Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform (ASRP)/TalentView Aviation (TVA).

Ben Newman, Group Business Development
Manager at Inflite, The Jet Centre

About BBGA
BBGA is the UK’s national trade body representing business and general aviation.  Formerly known as GAMTA and founded in 1970, its member companies span all facets of the business aviation sector.  BBGA represents nearly 200 companies, including airports, corporate flight departments, operators, aviation services organisations and aircraft manufacturers. 

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Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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