Press Release
London Gatwick Airport launches commercial fire training service
23 November 2009
London Gatwick Airport launches commercial fire training service
23 November 2009
London Gatwick Airport has launched a commercial training service to share the highly trained skills of its team with other fire-fighting organisations and aviation businesses across the world.
At an open day event, held in East Horsley, David Stretch, London Gatwick Airport’s Director of Customer Service and Jason Ivey, the Airport Fire Manager, unveiled the new service to airport fire managers from around the UK.
London Gatwick Airport’s Fire Service (AFS) is trained to the highest possible standards, using modern training facilities and techniques. The AFS attends over 2,500 incidents each year, ranging from aircraft emergencies and road traffic collisions to medical emergencies.
“We have a team of highly professional firefighters at London Gatwick Airport,” David Stretch said. “Gatwick Fire gives us an excellent opportunity to share our experience and skills and support other teams around the country.”
“Through its regular contact with industry, Gatwick Airport Fire Service saw a need for realistic and professional training to give students confidence and competency and for employers to meet regulatory and financial expectations.”
“Gatwick Fire is managed and delivered exclusively by operational fire managers and fire-fighters,” said Jason Ivey, the Senior Airport Fire Manager at Gatwick Airport who heads up Gatwick Fire. “All instructors maintain their competence in the workplace by forming part of a Watch system that provides fire cover for Gatwick Airport 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
There are eight senior instructors at Gatwick Airport, who have a combined service of over 120 years, all of which has been spent in operational fire roles at Gatwick and other UK airports.
Further information can be found at www.gatwickfire.com
