Minister praises Norwich aviation industry as ‘hub of greatness’

Aviation Minister Baroness Vere has praised the aviation industry in Norwich for its commitment to skills development and sustainability, describing it as a ‘hub of greatness’ during a visit to the city.

Baroness Vere toured Norwich Airport, owned by Regional & City Airports which is part of Rigby Group, and the neighbouring International Aviation Academy Norwich in the company of Chloe Smith MP to learn more about how the airport is fast becoming a centre of excellence for sustainable aviation.

The Minister visited two workshops involving KLM UK Engineering trainees to see how the Aviation Academy is training the next generation of engineers. And she was introduced to a group of youngsters who have worked with Norfolk-based community interest company NUNCATS on building the first British electric aircraft project of its kind.

While at the academy the Minister also announced £750,000 of additional Government funding to encourage young people to consider a career in aviation. The funding is part of the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund and is designed to break down barriers for those who have previously struggled to get a foothold in the aviation industry.

A tour of Norwich Airport followed, where the Minister was briefed on the recent introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Norwich, which typically produces up to 80% fewer lifecycle carbon emissions than the conventional jet fuel it replaces. Norwich Airport is one of the few regional airports in the UK to offer SAF to its customers, including SaxonAir which uses the fuel in its helicopters.

Following the airport tour, Baroness Vere met local stakeholders over lunch in the SaxonAir hangar. She also met and chatted to local companies that make up the Net-Zero General Aviation Training Group which was launched last year and is dedicated to developing electric aircraft technology and skills.

Speaking at the end of her visit Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said: “I have been hugely impressed by the collaboration between industry, Norwich Airport, local authorities and training providers in fostering a sustainable aviation sector in Norwich. Not only are opportunities being created for young people of all backgrounds, but local businesses are working together to drive innovation across the industry and reduce carbon emissions. As I said while at the Academy, it really is a hub of greatness.”

Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “It really was a pleasure to host the Minister during her visit and sustainability was the common theme of our discussions – from making the best use of the Apprenticeship Levy to deliver the future skills the industry needs, to accelerating the decarbonisation of airport operations through sustainable fuels and electrification. We look forward to updating the Minister on future progress.”

Chloe Smith MP said: “It was important to bring the Minister to meet the team at Norwich International Airport and International Aviation Academy. I invited her to Norwich as I wanted her to hear about how the Airport is committed to developing sustainable aviation and, with it, creating green jobs. Making progress with sustainable aviation fuel is significant.

“I have worked from the outset to establish the Academy and develop the aviation skills base, ensuring the Academy has national prominence. I was very excited to welcome the formation of the NetZero General Aviation Training Group to boost aviation recruitment here in Norwich last year. The Aviation Academy has always been an asset to the airport and local young people, giving them the skills and opportunity to build a career in this exciting industry.”

Nicola Holden, Commercial Director at Norse Commercial Services which operates the Aviation Academy building, said: “‘It was great to host the Minister at the International Aviation Academy Norwich last week. The visit enabled partners at the Academy to demonstrate their passion for the future of sustainable aviation.”

Wayne Easlea, Managing Director at KLM UK Engineering, said: “It was great to showcase the fantastic talent we have entering the industry through our Apprenticeship scheme. We’re delighted the Minister shares our enthusiasm for providing local young people with the opportunity to become the next generation of aircraft engineers.”

Alex Durand, Chief Executive of SaxonAir, said: “We were delighted to show the Aviation Minister the high level of innovation aimed at decarbonising aviation that’s happening on a daily basis in our region. This is led by a collaborative yet diverse group of partnerships, bringing a dynamism to the various projects we were able to showcase. Our industry talks a lot about the future and what they will achieve, but I think the key message for the day was that meaningful work is already being done in and around Norwich Airport.”Martin Lane, UK General Aviation Account Manager, Air bp, said: “I was delighted to meet Baroness Vere and provide some further details around SAF. Air bp is pleased to be supplying SAF to Norwich Airport. It demonstrates their willingness to invest in SAF and collaborate to help drive demand. SAF remains one of the key routes to helping decarbonise the aviation industry in the short and medium term.”

Photo caption: Aviation Minister Baroness Vere with (left to right) Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport; Alex Durand, Chief Executive of SaxonAir; Martin Lane, UK General Aviation Account Manager, Air bp. They are pictured next to the airport’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) bowser, with SAF provided by Air bp, and one of SaxonAir’s helicopters, which uses SAF fuel.

About Norwich Airport

Norwich Airport is part of Regional & City Airports, the airport management division of Rigby Group plc, which also owns and operates Exeter Airport, Bournemouth Airport, Coventry Airport and operates Solent Airport on behalf of Fareham Borough Council.

As well as daily connections to Amsterdam and a range of holiday flights, the airport is a key hub for the southern North Sea offshore oil and gas industry.

For more information contact:

Jason Clark, DCA Public Relations, jason.clark@dca-pr.co.uk, 07980-834368

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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