This week, W/C 13th May, marks the beginning of UK Airports Safety Week, a national event held in conjunction with the Airport Operators Association (AOA), and supported by the Civil Aviation Authority.
To support the week of activities, Birmingham Airport has kicked off a range of activities and safety demonstrations to raise awareness of aviation safety and the importance it has all year round. The official launch of UK Airports Safety Week began with a safety message from Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport.
Employees from across the airport site are being encouraged to participate in the events taking place over the course of the week. Activities include Foreign Object Debris (FOD) inspections on the airfield, aircraft pushback demonstrations, motivational safety talks with Jason Anker – who has been paralysed due to an avoidable incident on a construction site, as well as a host of quizzes and prizes up for grabs.
For passengers and the public, there are a number of pop up safety information stands across the terminal, as well as on hand advice to support passengers with areas such as liquid preparation and how to facilitate a safer, but quicker passage through to security. There will also be a range of children’s activities and interaction in the terminal for the public to get involved in.
Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport said: “Safety is our number one priority here at Birmingham Airport, and after the success of the Airports Safety Week last year, it was important we continue to demonstrate our commitment to safety by taking part again this year.
“This week is not only significant in highlighting why personal safety is imperative, but also why the safety of others is important, especially when working within aviation. Our roles across the airport have many touchpoints, whether we are talking about our employees out on the airfield, or those who are based in the offices, we all have a part to play in keeping each other and our working environment safe.
“The safety activities we have planned will last for the duration of the week, with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of safety practices both internally with employees, as well as externally with passengers and members of the public.”
The week will end with a visit to a local school where children will get the chance to learn about safety with the Airport’s partner organisations. West Midlands Police officers, the Airport’s own safety team and fire service will be on hand with demonstrations to interact with the children.
For more information on UK Airports Safety Week please visit https://www.ukairportssafetyweek.org.uk/
