The UK All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Aviation established the Airshows and Air Displays Working Group, which convened for its inaugural meeting in the House of Lords yesterday. This landmark occasion marks the first time that representatives from the airshow industry have had the opportunity to engage directly with Parliament, providing a vital platform for advocacy and collaboration.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in ensuring that the dedicated community supporting airshows has a strong voice at Westminster. The working group aims to address a wide array of topics crucial to the future of airshows in the UK. Key areas of focus include safeguarding the interests of the airshow industry, enhancing safety, promoting economic benefits to local communities, the Aviation and Events industry and ensuring that the public’s enthusiasm for aviation is recognised and cherished for years to come.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Matthew Bolshaw for his invaluable guidance in making this group a reality,” Matt Wilkins, The groups Chairman added. “I also want to acknowledge Louise Southern for her immense support, which has been instrumental in bringing us together.”
With millions of spectators attending airshows each year, the working group is committed to amplifying their voices and ensuring that the unique benefits these events bring to communities, Aviation and Engineering sectors across the UK are fully understood and appreciated.
In the coming months, the Airshows and Air Displays Working Group will work collaboratively to engage with stakeholders, develop actionable strategies, and foster a strong partnership with government bodies to advance the interests of the airshow community.
The working group is formed from a number of inidividuals from different backgrounds within the UK and wider airshow industry:
Matt Wilkins - Chairman - Chairman of the British Air Display Association (BADA), Event Organiser of the Old Buckenham Airshow.
Charles Skiera - EAC Executive, BADA Committee Member, Director and FDD of R5 Air Displays Ltd
Adam Kendall, Event Organiser, IWM Duxford
John Romain MBE, Founder and Owner of the Aircraft Restoration Company, Duxford, Warbird Operator and Pilot
Gary Elson, Author of the British Air Display Association [BADA]Review and BADA Committee Member
Bruce Buglass, Flying Display Director, Event Organiser and Display Pilots
Trevor Graham, Flying Display Director Event Organiser of Midlands Air Festival and others
Paul Atherton, OBE, Chief Executive, Royal International Air Tattoo
Ben Gleeson, Director of Operations, Farnborough International
Rod Dean, Flying Display Director and Display Pilot
Paul Bonhomme, Flying Display Director and Display Authorisation Evaluator
Dave Walton, Flying Display Director TSA Consulting
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