The Met Office Aviation team attended the AOA Annual Conference and awards this week.

We were entertained by Michael O’Leary who braved an audience of “robbers and bandits” to give his views of a post Brexit market, noting that he was already redirecting investment to markets that were more conducive to growth than the UK. Other speakers highlighted the need to conduct “business as usual” and to remain outwardly positive so not to deter tourism or continued business investment.

Recent UK political events were put into perspective by Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport. Arnaud spoke about the horror his team and passengers faced this March during the terrorist attacks. How they coped  at the time and how they continue to  build a safe and positive future for the airport family. His overwhelming message was one of admiration for what his staff achieved under the most horrific of circumstances.

Later that evening, during the awards ceremony we were thrilled to pick up the award for ‘Best Service Provider’, commending us for the re-launched OpenRunway®. The judging panel of industry experts noted the customer driven approach to the development of the service, improving the existing product and the persistent effort to further enhance the offering.

Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, (AOA), Darren Caplan said “The AOA Awards showcase the best in the aviation and airport sectors. The 2016 winners demonstrate the vibrant and innovative work going on across the UK and Ireland, improving efficiency, reducing the impact of aviation on the environment and delivering an ever-improving passenger experience. Congratulations to them all!”

The award is hot on the heels of us picking up a Team Heathrow Partnership Award for our onsite services at the airport. Both awards mean a lot to everyone that help us deliver to our customers day in day out.

Abigail Barbour- Key Account Manager

Photo from left to right- Ed Anderson, AOA Chairman, Jonathan Dutton, Met Office, Abigail Barbour, Met Office, Graham Keddie, CE of Belfast International Airport, Simon Calder, Travel Journalist.