The inaugural Aviation Heroes awards, held in the iconic Concorde Conference Centre at Manchester Airport on April 24th, celebrated the vital contribution to the UK’s aviation industry made by ground staff working at airports across the country.
Ground services are essential to the management of both passenger and cargo air services. They cover a range of activities including baggage handling, aircraft refuelling, ramp handling, aircraft maintenance, passenger services and much more.
At the awards ceremony, the Aviation Minister, Mike Kane MP, said in his keynote address that the winners represented the very best in the industry, and praised ground service providers for the critical role they play in UK aviation.
Aviation Services UK (ASUK), the trade body representing ground services firms, and organisers of the event, presented awards in eight categories, including safety, security, and teamwork.
ASUK’s mission is to enable a thriving, safe, secure and sustainable UK aviation sector. Its members now handle over 80% of all UK flights.
In 2024, ASUK members handled more than one million flights arriving at, and departing from, UK airports. They support more than 1.5 million jobs and contribute around £5.47 billion annually to the economy.
David Leighton FRSA, Chief Executive at ASUK, commented; “It’s all too easy to overlook the extraordinary work that takes place on the ground to keep the UK flying.
“These awards change that.
“At long last, we can recognise and celebrate the achievements of people serving on the frontline of our industry, doing amazing work day in, day out at the UK’s airports.
“These achievements include saving the lives of passengers and colleagues.”
Leighton continued, “It’s wonderful to see the industry come together to support the awards, and to support our charity partner, Lifelites.
“Since its inception in 2023, ASUK has come a long way. We have worked across a range of issues, with colleagues in the industry and in government, to achieve shared objectives. The awards undoubtedly marks another important milestone for our association as the voice for the UK’s aviation ground services.”
Aviation minister, Mike Kane, said; “Ground services are a vitally important part of UK aviation and the Aviation Heroes Awards has shone a light on the people who have gone above and beyond to serve the public.
“As we look to maintain and build upon our world class aviation sector for the whole country, we want to work with key partners like ASUK to recognise and build more valuable jobs across the sector.
“Congratulations and thank you to all the award winners – it was brilliant to celebrate their achievements, especially at such an iconic venue in my home city of Manchester.”
Lucy Waring from Lifelites said, “The generosity of ASUK members and guests at the Aviation Heroes Awards was overwhelming. The prizes donated, ranging from Coldplay tickets to flights, were fantastic! The money raised on the night, almost £4,000, will make a huge contribution to our work helping young people with life-limiting conditions.”
Lifelites harnesses innovative sensory and assistive technology to empower children and young people with life-limiting conditions, along with their families, to experience unforgettable moments of connection, creativity and joy.
