Press Release

Happy Landings at Gatwick as unusual pair make an unscheduled arrival


03 January 2006

On the first day of the New Year, Gatwick Airport received a very unusual and unscheduled arrival. A pair of swans landed on Gatwick’s taxiway “Romeo” at approximately 1610, following a report from the control tower, siting these protected birds.

Gatwick’s Airfield Operations team, headed up by Phil Milham, wasted no time in ushering the birds to a safe and quiet area of the airfield and on to stand 153. Following a call to the Outwood Swan Lifeline Sanctuary, John Potts, a sanctuary volunteer, arrived within the hour, to rescue the swans.

Phil Milham, Operations Duty Manager, BAA Gatwick was on hand helping with the rescue. He said; “Swan landings are a rare occurrence here at Gatwick and we were very grateful to Outwood Swan Lifeline Sanctuary for their quick response to the plight of these birds. My team were with the birds throughout their short stopover at Gatwick and assisted the rescue efforts by helping to put the swans into their specially designed, protective bags for onward transportation to the sanctuary.”

Outwood Swan Lifeline Sanctuary, based in Outwood, was founded over 30 years ago with the aim of rescuing, treating and ensuring the welfare of both swans and wild birds. The seven acre sanctuary is funded entirely through donations, membership and sponsorships. The Airfield Operations team, through support from the airport’s charity panel, will be making a contribution to the charity in recognition of all their great efforts.

John Potts, commented on the rescue. “We believe the pair mistakenly took the wet taxiway for water. It would have been very difficult and distressing for them to try and attempt a take-off from Gatwick. We were of course very pleased to help the airport out and importantly rescue the swans. They did not sustain any injuries as a result of their landing and have now been safely relocated to the sanctuary. We are hopeful to re-home them shortly.”

For more information about Outwood Swan Lifeline Sanctuary or to volunteer please call John Potts on 01342 842666 or for immediate rescue or for welfare issues of any wild birds call 07712 753 919.

Notes to Editors
BAA Gatwick’s Airfield Operations Team who helped out with the rescue included; Phil Milham, Lindsey Hamer, Tony Smith, Dave Mann, Dave Charman and Laurence Peacock.

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