ROUTES EUROPE: Cambridge Airport Appoints New Manager

Posted 09/05/2011

Cambridge Airport will tomorrow announce the appointment of Richard Knight OBE from the UK Defence Academy, as its new Airport Manager.  He will take up the role on May 23 and will take responsibility for all facets of the airport’s operational infrastructure including security, fire, fuel, training services, FBO management and general airport operations.  He will also manage the complex logistical preparations necessary to support the anticipated traffic increase expected from the Olympics and growth in civilian movements as outlined in the interview with Airport Director Archie Garden in Sunday’s The HUB Daily.

At the Defence Academy Richard was responsible for training and mentoring senior military commanders across a wide range of topics.  He first joined the RAF as an apprentice and after three years he underwent officer training at RAF College Cranwell.  Once commissioned he trained as a navigator on the Tornado F3, accumulating over 2,000 flying hours’ on the type and saw active service in The Balkans and Middle East, alongside three years with the Royal Marines.

After a period working in the Ministry of Defence Richard was appointed Executive Officer of 25 Fighter Squadron in 2003, where he returned to flying the Tornado F3 and had the opportunity to lead the unit, both in the UK and overseas on military operations.  Two years later he moved to High Wycombe to provide operational support to UK and overseas air operations.  Here he was instrumental in the growth and development of the RAF’s contribution to the UK’s capabilities against ‘911’ type threats, an experience that saw him become an expert advisor to the government during national emergencies.

Having completed an MBA from Bath University, Richard was given command of the Falklands’ Mount Pleasant International Airfield during 2008.  Responsible for managing the airport, and all associated services Richard drove and led a number of high profile initiatives that saw significant improvements in capability and operational outputs.  The role also involved managing a disparate array of contractors, military and civilian workers to achieve common goals.  His achievements and leadership skills resulted in his appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

“Cambridge Airport has evolved significantly since the first quarter of 2011 and we are pleased to appoint an airport manager who understands the need to manage change, develop new business, understands commercial activity and most importantly run the airport in a safe, secure and co-ordinated manner, Archie Garden, Airport Director, Cambridge Airport, told The HUB Daily.  “Richard’s extensive experience, his genuine passion for aviation and capacity to bring teams together, make him the perfect appointment for the airport

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