The UK Government has appointed a General Aviation Champion to help identify a network of UK aerodromes that are most important for non-scheduled flying to flourish.
Former Police Detective and Conservative politician Byron Davies has been given the newly created role which was announced by Minister for Aviation, Baroness Sugg at Elstree airfield.
Mr Davies will lead important research and engage with general aviation pilots in order to help the general aviation sector develop. He will be asked to deliver a report on the value of general aviation to the economy along with York Aviation, who have been commissioned by the government to carry out research on airfields of strategic significance.
Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said: “Smaller airfields and the pilots who use them contribute £3 billion to our economy and support more than 38,000 jobs, be that through business jet operations, flying schools or leisure flying.
“We want to preserve these benefits of general aviation and ensure appropriate and proportionate protection for the significant parts of this network that underpin that contribution.
“Byron brings both passion and expertise to the role and I am confident he will work closely with fliers and researchers to shape the future of the general aviation network within the UK.”
General Aviation Champion, Byron Davies said: “This is an exciting opportunity for general aviation and I’m delighted to have been asked to undertake this piece of work.
“The sector makes a major contribution to the economy and it’s only right that its voice is heard at all levels of government.
“I look forward very much to engaging with the aviation community over the coming months.”
General Aviation in the UK supports an estimated 38,000 jobs in the UK and is worth more than £3bn to the economy.
The General Aviation Champion will have 2 roles, one to help the government develop an understanding of these issues and the other to engage with stakeholders to ensure that understanding is grounded in the knowledge and experience of the sector. The role has been appointed for 12 months.
