MAG launches UK-first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion forum ‘Aviation for All’
- Aviation for All has been launched to encourage collaboration and share best practice on EDI in the aviation sector
- Partners including TUI, British Airways and Fantasy Wings all attended and spoke at the virtual event
- MP Mike Kane also welcomed the formation of the forum, which was held on National Inclusion Week
- Comes as MAG is set to publish its new EDI Strategy: Every Journey Matters
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) today launched a new cross-sector forum as part of its industry-leading approach to improving Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
Aviation for All brings together organisations including TUI, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Fantasy Wings, Pure Innovations and Inclusive Employers to share best practice on how to drive inclusivity in the sector.
It was launched at a virtual event to coincide with National Inclusion Week, which is focused on enhancing the representation of minorities to make a more diverse and equitable society.
The Forum was the brainchild of Alicia McDonnell, the Head of EDI at MAG – the UK’s largest airports group, which operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports, alongside digital travel services business, CAVU.
The Rt Hon Mike Kane, MP for Wythenshawe which neighbours Manchester Airport, made an opening address to attendees, with a video message where he spoke about the importance of diversity and inclusion, citing aviation’s role as a critical employer across the UK.
Across the event, attendees heard from speakers from within the aviation sector who are working to drive inclusion. A ‘Community Voices’ panel started the day which focused on the importance of championing change together with employee networks. The panel included representatives from MAG, TUI, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways.
A focus was also placed on the importance of community engagement and inclusive partnerships. MAG’s Community Engagement and Education and Employment teams outlined MAG’s outreach programmes including its youth forums and volunteering programme, alongside the work of its Airport Academies and Aerozones.
Pure Innovations - an organisation which supports people across Greater Manchester with disabilities providing pathways to employment - outlined the supported internships it runs in partnership with MAG, as an example of one of the initiatives taking place across the industry to champion inclusivity.
Closing the event, attendees heard from senior industry leaders including MAG’s Chief Strategy Officer Andrew Macmillan, Director of Customer, Cabin and Inflight Services at TUI, Jill Nye and British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff. They discussed how business leaders across the industry can play their part in driving inclusion in the workplace.
Following the launch of the Forum, MAG will publish its new EDI Strategy: Every Journey Matters later this week. The Strategy sets out MAG’s vision for enhancing EDI across the Group over the next five years, with a commitment to championing underrepresented talent.
MAG CEO Ken O’Toole said:
“The launch of Aviation for All is a demonstration of MAG’s commitment to leading on inclusion across our sector from the very front. By bringing industry and skills partners together, we can work collaboratively to understand challenges and create opportunities to forge real, and measurable progress right across aviation.
“The UK aviation industry is made up of a rich tapestry of individuals from all backgrounds, each contributing their unique skills and perspectives which make the sector successful. It is important that through forums like Aviation for All, we continue to leverage that diversity and use it to drive us forward.
“I am proud of the new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy MAG has developed: Every Journey Matters. This new strategy sets out a commitment to achieving inclusive excellence for our organisation. With airports spanning the North, Midlands and South, the scale of our impact means that we play a key role in to creating diverse and vibrant communities surrounding our airports. The success of our business is powered by our people. It is imperative that we live and breathe a culture which celebrates diversity and fosters a safe and inclusive environment where all colleagues feel proud to work for MAG.”
As part of a business wide programme of activity for National Inclusion Week, MAG’s Colleague Communities – which increase representation for underrepresented groups such as LGBTQIA+, UK Ethnic Minorities, people with disabilities, women and carers - hosted ‘Kind Café’ events across operations at all three of its airports. Aimed at bridging the inclusion gap between front-line and office-based colleagues, the sessions saw operational colleagues meet with members of Colleague Communities to find out how they could join and get involved in ongoing activities.
Neil Swanson, Managing Director, TUI said:
“At TUI, we know the strength of our industry comes from the diversity of our colleagues. Aviation For All is a brilliant opportunity to collaborate, share and learn from each other as we continue to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion forward. Working together across our industry is a powerful way to learn, share, and challenge ourselves so we can continue building an environment where every colleague feels they belong and in turn deliver the best experiences for our customers. Events like this are vital in driving meaningful change across the industry, ensuring that aviation is truly accessible and welcoming for everyone”.
Jackson Smith, CEO, Fantasy Wings said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to see the formation of the 'Aviation for All' forum. This is precisely the kind of bold, collaborative initiative our industry needs to move the dial on inclusion.
“For too long, the dream of a career in Aviation has felt out of reach for too many. At Fantasy Wings, we see every day how breaking down those barriers doesn't just change individual lives—it energises our entire sector with fresh perspectives and unparalleled talent.
“We are incredibly proud to be invited to be the Keynote Speaker for this landmark event. We can't wait to share the stories of our young people, whose passion and potential are the living proof of what an inclusive aviation industry can achieve. This is more than an event; it's the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant future for UK aviation, and we're honoured to help build it”
Louise Parrott-Bates, CEO, Pure Innovations, said:
“Pure Innovations has been working with MAG for over 10 years to build an inclusive workforce recognising the abilities and attributes young people with a disability bring to the workplace.
“The Supported Internship supports young neurodivergent people each year with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the workplace. With 100% of last year's cohort securing paid work.
"We are proud to support the launch of Aviation for All, which will provide a new opportunity to showcase the importance of inclusive employment and allow us to collaborate with businesses across the aviation industry."