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Cotswold Airport Leads Sustainable Aviation Fire & Safety Policy with AFOA

Cotswold Airport today announced its membership of the Airport Fire Officers Association (AFOA) further strengthening its reputation for Airport safety.

 

As a centre for sustainable aviation, Cotswold Airport is the only operational Airport in the UK that has both hydrogen fuel cell powered aircraft and battery electric powered VTOL aircraft operating on-site. These pioneering technologies from Zero Avia and Vertical Aerospace present unique challenges that the onsite fire and safety team have had to address. 

 

This unique experience with fire safety for sustainable technologies has led to the airport team being involved in the development of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) policies through engagement in working groups around both technologies, and will now play a part in the development of these skills within the AFOA.

 

Andrew Wood, Rescue & Fire Fighting Service Manager, Cotswold Airport commented, “These developing technologies present unique challenges from a fire fighting and rescue point of view. Having both Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Lithium Battery powered aircraft operating on our airport has given us a unique perspective to assist in developing operational safety procedures for these sustainable aviation pioneers.

 

“We look forward to engaging with the AFOA membership around these and other operational matters to further develop and strengthen our safety protocols as a busy hub for civil aviation.”

 

Hydrogen presents a unique challenge as the near-invisible flames, although burning at over 2200 degrees C, radiate little heat. In addition, under certain conditions, hydrogen has the potential to detonate, meaning the correct extinguishing media must be employed in the correct volumes.

 

Lithium batteries as used by Vertical Aerospace in their electric VTOL aircraft could suffer from thermal runaway in the event of an accident, as seen in some electric vehicles producing hazardous gasses. This can be managed with water, however this can lead to contamination and environmental impact from run-off if not managed correctly.

 

Suzannah Harvey, CEO Cotswold Airport commented, “As we continue to develop our airport as a centre for sustainable aviation, it is vital that we continue to work on the safety of all involved around the development and deployment of new technologies.

 

“As we continue on our own journey towards our goal of carbon neutrality, through the deployment of solar and other sustainable technologies on-site, we enjoy seeing the ongoing success of our tenants in bringing new sustainable solutions to market.”

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Competitions Latest news Scholarships

2025 Aviation Scholarship Winners Announced

In its 12th Year, and another one of bumper applications, this year’s Cotswold Airport Aviation Scholars have been announced.

We received a record number of applications this year, making the selection process harder than ever. However we are excited to announce that 8 exceptional young people have been chosen to receive the 2025 Aviation Scholarships.

Meriel, Katherine, James, Priya, Oliver, Rhys, Devon and Thomas will be joining us at Cotswold Airport from the 4th to the 9th August 2025 to gain an introduction to all things aviation.

The Scholarships, generously  sponsored by Pooleys flight equipment, include visits to engineering and aircraft component manufacturing sites as well as touring companies that are designing and developing the aircraft of tomorrow. Students will receive introductions to airport firefighting, talks on military operations, control tower operations, air traffic service provisions and an introduction in learning to fly.

Last Year’s graduates enjoyed a mixture of flights including microlights, light aircraft, and helicopters thanks to the enthusiastic support of the airport’s on-site flying schools.

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AV8 Restaurant Latest news

AV8 Launches Afternoon Tea

We are so excited to announce the availability of Afternoon Cream Tea at our onsite AV8 Restaurant!

Available Tues – Sat 12.00 – 3.30pm – booking essential.

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Latest news

Cotswold Airport Appoints Paul Waite to Board of Directors

Suzannah Harvey, Paul Waite and Glen Moreman pose at Cotswold airport
Suzannah. Harvey, Paul Waite and Glen Moreman pose at Cotswold Airport to celebrate Paul's appointment to the board.

Kemble Friday 7th February 2025, Cotswold Airport, formally RAF Kemble, today announced the appointment of Paul Waite to its board of directors.

 

Waite brings over 38 years of Air Traffic Control experience, most recently at NATS, the UK’s primary air traffic services provider, working at Cardiff, Birmingham and St Athan prior to taking up his current role for NATS as Head of Safety Performance & Improvement at Heathrow Airport. Waite’s appointment will further strengthen the board’s oversight on airport safety and operations procedures.

 

Suzannah Harvey, CEO Cotswold Airport who is currently attending World MRO Middle East in Dubai stated, “We are very excited to have Paul join us on the board of Cotswold Airport. From our initial conversations I knew that his unique experience, enthusiasm and expertise would be a huge asset to the airport and initiated discussions to entice him to join us. I am so glad that he was suitably excited by our operations and the opportunity that he decided to accept our invitation. 

 

“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.”

 

Waite added, “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 focussed 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!”

 

Prior to joining NATS Waite 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 25+ years, Waite has also managed various ATC projects including the delivery of  a new control tower, a runway extension, and RNAV SIDs.

 

Waite was initially introduced to the Cotswold Airport team whilst organising a visit to the Boeing 747 ‘Negus’ that now resides as a visitor attraction, conference  and event space at the airport.

 

Waite added, “Everyone who works in aviation tends to be an enthusiast, and I’ve been trying to sort a visit to Negus for the past two years with the Ops staff who were on duty for her last flight from Heathrow to Cotswold Airport back in 2020. It was a sad day to see the queen of the skies go out of commission, but who knew that it would lead to this!”

 

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Uncategorized

The Flight Before Christmas is Preparing For Take-Off!

The countdown to Christmas is now on, with just over two weeks before the World’s only Christmas Grotto on-board a ‘Negus’ 747 Jumbo-Jet starts boarding once more for ‘The Flight Before Christmas’ – on the 23rd November 2024.

Voted one of the Times’ Top 7 Festive days out in 2023, The Flight Before Christmas is back bigger and better than ever, with the immersive Grotto experience delivering a unique festive adventure. New for 2024, The Flight Before Christmas has been fully revamped, including new characters, activities, and completely new sections that visitors can immerse themselves in.

The adventure begins at the Elf Control Check In, where guests receive a boarding pass and customised North Pole Passport. After passing through the naughty or nice security check-in scanner, a wacky elf-and-safety briefing is hosted by Peppermint, the mischievous Head Elf, and his cabin crew.

Guests witness elves wrapping last-minute presents in the parcel bay, mix magical fairy dust and create the perfect reindeer food to help ensure reindeer can deliver presents on time and meet Father Christmas himself!

Guaranteed to create unforgettable memories for the whole family. General Admission tickets starting at £39. Further information and tickets can be found online at www.theflightbeforechristmas.com.

What’s Included for a child ticketholder?

A video invitation from Father Christmas (not personalised)
Boarding Pass and Passport in a The Flight Before Christmas branded bag
Experience an Airport style check-in
Reindeer Food making activity in Odin’s forge
Letter to Father Christmas Stationery Set
Candy Cane from the candy cane forest
Teddy Bear making activity in the toy factory
Gingerbread biscuit decorating activity in Buckthorne’s Bakery
Gift from Father Christmas
Wish Token

What’s included for adult ticket holders?

Mince pie
Mulled wine
Gift from Father Christmas

Brand new for 2024, you will also receive a printed photo of your family with Father Christmas per booking (additional prints will be available to purchase on the day).

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Sponsorships

Cotswold Airport signs 3 Year Sponsorship Deal with Fairford Rugby Club

Michael Wrona, Fairford Rugby Club, and Suzannah Harvey, CEO Cotswold Airport, celebrate the signing of a sponsorship deal at Cotswold Airport.

Fairford – 2nd October 2024 – Fairford Rugby Club today announces the signing of a Major Sponsor deal with Kemble based Cotswold Airport. The three-year sponsorship deal will see Cotswold Airport as main kit sponsor for the senior teams along with pitch side signage and advertising.

 

Fairford Rugby Club, founded in 1994 by George Ellis, has its grounds at Coln House in the picturesque Cotswolds town. The club fields men’s (The Badgers) and women’s (The Vixens) senior teams in the Dorset & Wilts North league. In addition to being an active sporting club, Fairford Rugby Club also hosts a successful summer festival weekend that sees an additional 3 thousand visitors to the club’s playing fields annually.

 

Michael Wrona, Sponsorship Secretary Fairford Rugby Club commented, “We are a small club with a large heart, so support from local businesses such as Cotswold Airport is key to the success and growth of the club and really means the world to us. Sponsorships like this help us to continue to build the club and drive us towards our goal of establishing our own clubhouse at the ground.

 

“We are fortunate to have such a thriving aviation hub nearby that is willing to support the local community. As a team we have always had a strong connection with aviation with members from the RAF and nearby Airbus. We look forward to reciprocating this sponsorship by making the most of the great facilities at the airport especially the AV8 restaurant for those all-important breakfasts!”

 

Cotswold Airport, formally RAF Kemble, is situated 15 miles from Fairford and provides a convenient aviation hub in the heart of the Cotswolds.

 

Suzannah Harvey, CEO Cotswolds Airport said, “We are really proud to sponsor both the women’s and men’s senior teams of Fairford Rugby Club over the next three years. Grass roots sport is such an important part of our community, we are happy to get behind this. I look forward to providing further encouragement from the sidelines and we can’t wait to welcome the club’s members and supporters to the airport, and obviously anyone wanting to fly in for the weekend for a match is also more than welcome!”

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Competitions Events

Fairford Steam Show Family Ticket giveaway Terms and Conditions

Steam Engine in Sunshine at Fairford Steam Show
Steam Engine in the sun

Winners Announced 6/8/24 – @lewiswilling83 on Instagram and @Hayley Amanda Paget on Facebook.

Fairford Steam Show Family Ticket giveaway Terms and Conditions

  1. The promoter is: Cotswold Airport Events Ltd (company no. 08521229) whose registered office is at The Control Tower, Cotswold Airport, Cirencester. GL7 6BA.
  2. The competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 years or over except employees of Cotswold Airport and Fairford Steam Show and their close relatives and anyone otherwise connected with the organisation or judging of the competition.
  3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.
  4. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  5. Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are via Cotswold Airport and Fairford Steam Show’s Facebook and Instagram channels.
  6. Only one entry will be accepted per person. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified.
  7. Closing date for entry will be 4th August 2024. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
  8. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
  9. The rules of the competition and how to enter are as follows: You must like and follow the Instagram or Facebook channel for both Cotswold Airport and Fairford Steam show and share the competition post tagging a friend that you would take along to the show.
  10. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God, or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
  11. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.
  12. The prize is as follows: two Family tickets (gate value £25 each) for Fairford Steam Show 2024, one for a Facebook winner and one for Instagram.
  13. The prize is as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.
  14. Winners will be chosen at random by software, from all entries received and verified by Promoter and or its agents.
  15. The winner will be notified by DM on Instagram/Facebook. The winner will only ever be contacted by the Cotswold Airport official social media channels. If the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
  16. The promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected/is delivered.
  17. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  18. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  19. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by [English] law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [England].
  20. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
  21. The winner’s name will be available 28 days after the closing date by emailing the following address: media@cotswoldairport.com
  22. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
  23. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, or any other Social Network. You are providing your information to Cotswold Airport Events Ltd and not to any other party. The information provided will be used in conjunction with the following Privacy Policy found at https://cotswoldairport.com/privacy-policy/.
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Latest news Scholarships Sponsorships

Cotswold Airport Aviation Scholarship 2024 Winners Announced

Cohort of 2023 Cotswold Airport Aviation scholars pose next to light aircraft.
Cohort of 2023 Cotswold Airport Aviation scholars pose next to light aircraft.

Kemble – 21st June 2024 – Cotswold Airport is excited to announce that its Aviation Scholarship cohort for 2024 has been finalised after receiving some 110 applications this year.

The successful 8 scholars, all aged between 15 to 18 and from the surrounding area, will enjoy a week-long induction into the world of aviation, including four hours flying experience in light aircraft and helicopters, along with simulator sessions thanks to the enthusiastic support of the on-site flying schools.

Now in its eleventh year, the established scholarship program introduces successful applicants to the broad experiences, roles and careers available in the general aviation community.

The program includes visits to engineering sites that manufacture aircraft components and companies that are designing and developing the aircraft of tomorrow such as Zero Avia and Vertical Aerospace. Students will receive introductions to airport firefighting, talks on military operations, control tower operations, air traffic service provisions and the opportunity to experience an introduction in learning to fly.

Industry luminaries will also be giving talks to ensure that the scholars are introduced to the wide variety of career options within the aviation space.

The scholarship program is generously sponsored by Pooleys flight equipment, who have kindly donated a flying kit for each of the scholars.

Suzannah Harvey, CEO Cotswold Airport commented, “We were absolutely blown away by the volume and quality of applications this year. Selecting our final scholars was no easy task from a very strong field. We look forward to welcoming our final 8 to the Airport and encourage those that were unsuccessful to re-apply next year if still eligible.”

Cotswold Airport looks forward to welcoming Sammy, Oscar, Eve, Sarah, Sasha, Amy, Rosemary and Esme onsite from Monday 5th August, for what promises to be an action packed and educational week for the aviation enthusiasts.

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Events Latest news

Cotswold Airport Hosts Large-scale Emergency Training Exercise

Emergency workers on training exercise at Cotswold Airport
Emergency workers on training exercise at Cotswold Airport

Emergency services from across the country recently spent three days at Cotswold Airport taking part in a large-scale training exercise to practice their major incident response.

The three-day training exercise – organised thanks to Cotswold Airport and Air Salvage International – involved multiple scenarios, including a plane crash, a terrorist attack, trapped casualties and the discovery of an identified device and suspected nerve agent. As part of this training, the police declared Operation Plato and Operation Tapestry – rarely exercised – in response to the staged terrorist attacks.

The exercise was organised and facilitated by Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS). Firefighters from Avon, Gloucestershire, Dorset & Wiltshire, West Midlands and Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service, as well as Cotswold Airport, attended and worked collaboratively with police, ambulance, and military colleagues to respond to a number of casualties seeking medical assistance. Members of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) were also in attendance.

Volunteers from the Casualties Union and staff and students from Hartpury College were also involved in the exercise, playing the part of casualties to provide realism for those involved in the training. The Rapid Relief Team, a charity supporting communities in need and providing relief in emergencies, were on hand to serve refreshments throughout the three-day exercise.    

Cotswold airport training - 1
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Shane Saunders, Watch Manager at Hicks Gate Fire Station, said: “This training exercise has provided an exciting and unique opportunity for Urban Search and Rescue, firefighters, paramedics, police, military, and facilitators to test their reaction to a major incident involving aircrafts.

“Although we hope we’ll never be called to such a devastating incident, it’s vital that we practice our response and how we work alongside other agencies.”

Shane added: “I’d like to say a special thank you to all the hardworking individuals – within AF&RS and externally – involved in the planning, preparing and facilitation of the training exercise. It’s been three years in the making as we wanted to ensure there was plenty for everyone in attendance to properly apply their knowledge, experience, and skills to different scenarios – and it was successful in doing that.”

Suzannah Harvey, CEO Cotswold Airport commented, “Whist we always pray that we never have to experience these situations in the real world, preparedness is key, and we are proud to be able to host these vital training exercises to support our emergency and armed forces on-site at Cotswold Airport.”

Matt Armstrong, Area Manager for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “This training exercise has provided a fantastic opportunity for us to work in collaboration with other services, partners, and organisations as well as enabling us to assure our levels of response to significant incidents.

“Simulated incidents are developed to reflect potential real-life scenarios ensuring that we are fully prepared and can respond effectively and appropriately when we are needed.

“Ourselves and our partners train extensively to develop strong working relationships and share knowledge to ensure that we can deliver the highest level of emergency response to our communities.”

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Events

A Night Flight to Remember – Top Gun Open Air Cinema Returns

Screenshot

For all those thrill seekers looking for the ultimate open-air cinema experience, the original Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick will be showing over two nights in the shadow of the mighty ‘Negus’ Boeing 747 at Cotswold Airport.

The open air cinema experience returns for two nights only on Friday 9th & Sat 10th August 2024.

Tickets are available here: https://www.alfrescofilm.co.uk/event-directory/

Want to buzz the tower with us for a big two-nighter? We’re feeling the need to visit Cotswold Airport near Cirencester for two back-to-back dates this summer with open-air screenings of the original TOP GUN and the incredible follow-up TOP GUN: MAVERICK.There’s no better location for these legendary movies, with our screen positioned in the shadow of the huge and impressive B747 Negus, a former British Airways aircraft that now has a permanent home at Cotswold Airport. Come on, let’s do the double!

Top Gun will be screening on Friday 9 August, with Top Gun: Maverick on Saturday 10 August. Gates open 7.30pm and the film starts at 9pm on both nights, with TG ending at 10.50pm on Friday, and TGM ending at 11.10pm on Saturday.

Seating Types: Premium Deckchair Seats – deckchairs in premium positions close to the screen. Bring Your Own Seat Adult – age 16 and over, please bring your own low-backed camping chairs, picnic rugs, deckchairs or similar. Bring Your Own Seat Concession – under 16s, students, military and emergency services staff (relevant ID is required on the night)

Food and Drink: A bar will be in operation at the shows, and bar snacks, ice cream and popcorn will also be available. Please don’t bring your own alcohol to the events. Bag searches may be in operation.

Directions/Parking: free parking is available at the venue. Please follow staff advice and signage. For directions to Cotswold Airport, please click HERE

Other Information: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Both films are rated 12A.

Weather policy: screenings go ahead in all but worst weathers. Only if there’s heavy, prolonged rain or high winds forecast will the screening be postponed or cancelled. No refunds will be given unless the screening is cancelled.