The BBGA Connects event took place in London at the London Bridge Hilton last week on the 5th of December. This was our second event following the success of last year and I am pleased to tell you that we had an additional 30 people attending this year’s festivities, which saw 130 attendees. The Connects concept is very simple in that we look to put together members, their guests and a group of non-members who are interested in what the association might do to assist their business. Thanks to our event Sponsors Close Brothers, Air BP and Gulfstream Aerospace.

BBGA Inaugural Awards
We were pleased to host our inaugural awards ceremony at the Christmas reception where first we recognised our future with ‘The Next Generation Award’. Our deserved winner was Stefan D’Cruz of RVL Group the specialist aviation company. Stefan is a pilot for RVL and his attitude from age 11 meant that he did everything he could progress along the path to reach his goal to achieve that goal. He paid for his own PPL by working from an early age. He joined RVL as a member of Operations and was recognised as someone who demonstrated great dedication. As a consequence the company chose to invest in him and support his commercial training, all done in his own time. As a role model for the next generation Stefan epitomises the type of person we would love to welcome into our industry and was a worthy winner.
Our second and final award was made to recognise ‘Excellence in Aviation’. This award was made to John Bool the Technical Director of Harrods Aviation. The work that John has been doing for many years now is in support of the encouragement of our next generation. John has been working diligently over a period of five years to bring key ‘Trailblazer Apprenticeships’ into force. In particular John has developed the package to deliver Part 66 Cat B licenced engineers through an apprenticeship and the successful participants will also be eligible for the professional qualification, through accreditation, provided with support from our regulator the CAA.

Our second and final award was made to recognise ‘Excellence in Aviation’.  This award was made to John Bool the Technical Director of Harrods Aviation.  The work that John has been doing for many years now is in support of the encouragement of our next generation. John has been working diligently over a period of five years to bring key ‘Trailblazer Apprenticeships’ into force. In particular John has developed the package to deliver Part 66 Cat B licenced engineers through an apprenticeship and the successful participants will also be eligible for the professional qualification, through accreditation, provided with support from our regulator the CAA.