The UK's largest private aerodrome, Cotswold Airport, appoints experienced aviation safety head Paul Waite to its senior team, bolstering its aim of providing 'a safe and enjoyable' aerodrome for all of its users.
Paul joins the Cirencester airport from NATS, the UK's primary air traffic services provider, where he most recently served as head of safety, performance and improvement at Heathrow Airport.
His appointment comes in a period of growth for Cotswold Airport, including its drive toward net zero and businesses based there leading the way on sustainable aviation practices.
Suzannah Harvey, CEO of Cotswold Airport, said: 'We are very excited to have Paul join us on the board of Cotswold Airport.
'We are a thriving hub of all things aviation; and having such experience and expertise on hand to advise us as we continue to grow is invaluable.
'As we work with our tenants and partners with a continued focus on sustainable aviation, we need to ensure that we develop our procedures and protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable aerodrome for everyone who works, visits or flies here.'
Prior to his role at Heathrow, Paul also worked for NATS at Cardiff, Birmingham and St Athan. Before joining the service he had a successful career in the RAF, serving at various bases including the London Air Traffic Control Centre.
As a radar and tower controller for more than 25 years, he has also managed various air traffic control projects, including the delivery of a new control tower and a runway extension.
Paul said of his new role: 'Cotswold Airport is such an interesting proposition that I was extremely excited and honoured to be asked to join the board. There are so many different types of aviation stakeholders at the site, doing different things that present unique challenges.
'I am future focused and like to be involved in positive change; and there is so much of that at Cotswold Airport.
'From sustainable aviation with Zero Avia and Vertical Aerospace; Air Salvage International (ASI) leading the way in the recycling of aircraft; and the installation of solar on the aerodrome hangars as part of a drive to net zero — it’s a very exciting place to be involved with!'
