Collaboration is key to improving inclusion in the aviation industry, say sector leaders at Aviation for All forum
- The forum - hosted by MAG - focused on four themes: sector representation, talent mobility, future skills and passenger experience
- Event held as part of National Inclusion Week featured Inclusive Employers, Fantasy Wings, Pure Innovation, easyJet, Virgin, BA and NATS
- MAG CEO Ken O’Toole opened the event speaking about the importance of ensuring the aviation industry is open to all
Making aviation a more accessible and inclusive industry was the focus of a special event staged by the UK's largest airports group.
MAG hosted its second Aviation for All forum, a cross-industry event aimed at accelerating progress in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), accessibility and early talent.
Simultaneous events were held at Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports, attended by stakeholders from across the aviation sector, inclusive employers and accessibility companies.
The event was opened by Ken O'Toole, MAG's CEO and Alicia McDonnell, Head of EDI at MAG who spoke about the importance of wider conversation on inclusion in the sector to establish best practice.
Dr Emily Pattinson from Inclusive Employers delivered the keynote speech for the event. Reflecting on the importance and opportunities the aviation sector to building trust, belonging and collaboration to attract diverse talent, address workforce challenges and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Dr Pattinson said: "Considering the current challenges facing the aviation industry we cannot afford to overlook talent. Creating inclusive and impactful workplaces is about removing barriers, listening to people’s experiences, and making sure everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed and contribute to the sector’s future."
The forum was held on National Inclusion Week as the Group celebrated the innovative approach it has to inclusivity and striving towards the aviation industries shared goal to engage with underrepresented groups through employment, skills development and social initiatives.
A roundtable during the event focused on the three key themes discussed throughout the forum – sector representation, talent mobility, future skills and passenger experience. The roundtable provided both internal colleagues and industry partners to discuss best practice and next steps to build and accelerate on the work being undertaken across the aviation industry towards these targets.
The forum, founded last year by the in-house EDI team, is focused on strengthening this cross collaboration by working in partnership with the Government's Aviation Skills and Industry Board.
Emma Crossland, Chief People Officer at MAG said:
“Creating an inclusive environment is critical to the overall success of our business, and the aviation industry as a whole.
“For our business to grow responsibly and sustainably we must focus on the people who are fundamental to our success whether that’s our passengers, colleagues or local communities, which is exactly why the Aviation for All forum is such a critical piece of work.
“It was great to see the collaboration during National Inclusion Week between so many of our industry partners and those who work directly with us through our education and employment initiatives across the Group.
"The success of this industry-first forum has been amazing to see and a testament to the work our EDI team does in driving a more inclusive environment not just at MAG but across the sector too.
“Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the continued work to accelerate inclusion across the aviation industry.”
Miranda Simms, Senior Inclusion & Wellbeing Manager at TUI said:
"Creating a more inclusive aviation industry starts with listening, learning and working together. We are proud to be part of Aviation for All for a second year, bringing together organisations that share a common ambition to make our industry more accessible, representative and welcoming for everyone.
At TUI, our Come As You Are philosophy reflects our commitment to creating environments where people feel valued, respected and able to be themselves. When people can see a place for themselves in our industry, we open the door to new talent, fresh perspectives and better experiences for colleagues and customers alike. By collaborating across the sector, we can turn our shared commitment into meaningful and lasting change, creating clearer pathways into aviation for future generations."
Jon O'Brien, Training Manager at ABM said:
"ABM is proud to be invited to join the Aviation for All Forum. This is a fantastic opportunity to build on the foundations we have already put in place to create an inclusive workplace by supporting, adapting, and providing routes into aviation for everyone. By sharing best practice and learning from colleagues across the sector, we can continue to support existing employees while encouraging greater diversity within our aviation community.
"Not only does this programme provide people with opportunities to build rewarding careers in aviation, but it also enables us to learn from forum members with lived experience. Their insights help us evolve the way we support guests travelling through the airport, enhancing their overall experience and ensuring that our services are accessible to all.
"By building on the ABM mindset that people who feel included create journeys where everyone belongs, we can continue to make a positive difference for both our colleagues and our customers."
Brooke Allot, Senior Employment Officer at Pure Innovations said:
“Our offer through the Pure Innovations Supported Internship centres on creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for young adults with additional needs. The aviation industry has a vital role to play in creating long-term, inclusive career opportunities, and year after year we have seen the positive impact the sector can have through our internship programme.’’
“Being part of the Aviation for All forum gives us an opportunity to share what is working, learn from others across the industry and consider what more we can do together to remove barriers and create opportunities. It is important that everyone who wants to build a career in aviation can see a pathway into the industry, and we are proud to be contributing to that.”