BBGA Excellence in Aviation – The Next Generation
This year’s winner was Gama Aviation’s Nathan Morris, Operations Controller.
Nathan is now a fully qualified operations controller, having completed a Level 3 Aviation Ground Specialist (Flight Operations) apprenticeship. His RAF serving father inspired him and set the stage for his career aspirations.
The apprenticeship, which included hands-on experience at Gama Aviation, a diverse aviation services business, gave him a firm understanding of flight operations – not just with Gama and sister company myairops, where he covered worldwide trip support, flight planning and problem-solving, but beyond, into the broader global aviation landscape.
As part of his training Nathan attended an Operations Officers’ course delivered by UKOMA (UK Operations Managers Association) which provided valuable insights into regulatory compliance and industry best practices. With the encouragement of Gama Group CEO Marwan Khalek, Nathan visited other operators – commercial airlines and business aviation providers, enabling him to enrich his knowledge. Gama Aviation’s active participation in industrial placements, work experience, and apprenticeship programmes across various departments is to be commended in paving the way for future industry leaders like Nathan.
Runner up Alex Reeves was lauded for his work as Customer Services Duty Manager at Farnborough Airport. He has been with the airport for six years, progressing from Customer Services Agent through to Duty Manager, developing a deep understanding of customers’ needs, bringing a high service standard and excellent customer service, delivered with integrity and enthusiasm.
Alex has forged good relationships with the airport’s broad customer base, including passengers, crew, diplomatic personnel and industry peers. His outstanding attention to detail and ability to anticipate any situation has been instrumental to his career progression and he is now mentoring and training new colleagues.
SaxonAir’s dream team
Also highly commended were three outstanding employees at SaxonAir. Trainee pilot Brandon Studd, who has recently been accepted into the Air League Scholarship Scheme, is also bringing his special talents as social media influencer with over 26,000 followers on YouTube – ‘Pilot Studd’ Brandon Studd to benefit the business.
Jordan Simpson will shortly complete an apprenticeship in ground operations and has just added another string to his bow asCrew Training Administrator. At SaxonAir he works in fixed wing ground operations involved with crewing, flight planning and flight tracking, as well as liaison with aircraft owners. Jordan also volunteered his own time to help set up a peer support program.
Miles Riches joined SaxonAir Helicopters in early 2022 in the midst of a booming helicopter season. Coming into aviation from running a woodfired pizza business, he completed his CPL(A) in France and has progressed swiftly within SaxonAir’s helicopter operations, becoming Deputy Head of Ground Operations and Deputy Head of Sales, and securing a number of lucrative new contracts. He is also one of few pilots who can fly the Pipistrel Velis Electro in the SaxonAir fleet. Miles has also qualified as a helicopter night site lighting officer.
