The sky’s no limit for learners at new EMA Academy launched with Nottingham College

Hundreds of jobseekers will be given the chance to pursue high-flying careers through a specialist Academy being created by East Midlands Airport and Nottingham College.

Nottm College Partnership - 1

The Academy will offer tailor-made pre-employment and upskilling training to around 200 adult learners a year.

The free two-week courses will equip them with the skills they need to take up jobs ranging from ground crew, baggage handling, security, customer service, or roles within hotels, car parks or logistics.

The development of the fully-accredited training forms part of EMA's five-year Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy ‘Working Together for a Brighter Future,’ with the latest progress update for 2022/23 published today.

The report shows how EMA is progressing on a number of CSR commitments, including increasing its use of energy from renewable sources, granting funds for local community projects, continuing to take action to reduce noise impacts, improving service for customers with reduced mobility and increasing the number of passengers reaching the airport by sustainable transport. EMA’s parent company Manchester Airports Group also released its group-wide CSR Report today, which set out progress made against five Jet Zero Pledges.

The innovative new training partnership with Nottingham College will provide local people with the skills they need to access the varying careers available within the aviation, tourism and logistics industries. In time further opportunities for training will be opened up, helping to ensure that local people and existing staff can easily access the full range of jobs and careers on offer at EMA.

‘Outstanding’ security training gives East Midlands Airport customers peace of mind

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has once again given East Midlands Airport (EMA) top marks for the training it provides for security staff.

The ranking of ‘outstanding’ gives customers the assurance that they can travel through the airport safe in the knowledge that security teams are highly trained and they will receive excellent customer service. 

People using EMA to travel to Europe this year have on average passed through security in under 15 minutes.

The CAA’s quality assurance scheme ensures that the training of airport security staff meets the expected standards to keep people safe when flying from UK airports, with EMA last assessed as outstanding two years ago.

Airport security staff are required to be trained in several disciplines including body-searches, identifying ‘threatening’ objects, x-ray, baggage screening and patrols. Also included is a module on modern slavery so staff are well-equipped to look out for behaviours which may indicate people smuggling.

EMA has a dedicated in-house training team who carry out refresher training sessions for existing staff, as well as training for new recruits as the airport gears up for the seasonal increase in passenger numbers. January will see a new drive for more security staff, who will need to be qualified ready for April when the peak season begins.

Eliza Eabry, EMA’s Security Training Manager, welcomed the recent assessment. She said: “Safety and security is our number one priority so it’s vital we get this part of the airport operation right.

“Another ‘outstanding’ assessment of our security training from the Civil Aviation Authority is a fantastic endorsement of our efforts. This gives peace of mind to our customers and is at the heart of the hassle-free experience they have come to expect from East Midlands Airport.”

East Midlands Airport ready to play key part in region’s hydrogen future

East Midlands Airport (EMA) will form part of the UK's largest inland hydrogen cluster, which will lead to the creation of 110,00 jobs and pave the way for carbon-free flying from the Midlands gateway.

East Midlands Hydrogen - a partnership between D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Cadent, Uniper, Toyota, Midlands Engine and East Midlands Freeport - is to be launched tomorrow (Friday 22 September.) It is set to connect supply and demand through a new 100% hydrogen pipeline, bringing massive economic and environmental benefits to the region.

A PwC report set for publication next month estimates that development of a full hydrogen supply chain in the East Midlands would contribute £10 billion GVA and 110,000 jobs created or retained by 2050. It’s estimated that carbon savings from the cluster of 70 industrial sites across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire could be as much as 1.9 million tonnes per year, the equivalent of gas-related carbon emissions from 860,000 homes.

More than 530,000 people used East Midlands Airport in August

The popularity of East Midlands Airport (EMA) as a gateway from the Midlands to European destinations is growing, with over 530,000 holidaymakers choosing it to get away this August.

That’s up by more than 100,000 passengers last August. Overall this year, 2.2m passengers have so far travelled through EMA – an increase of more than 370,000 passengers over the same period last year.

All passengers using EMA even in peak times during the summer continued to clear security in under 15 minutes this year – with the August average queue time half that, at just seven minutes 40 seconds.

It’s the ease of getting to and through EMA that passengers say is one of the key reasons they choose the airport, often willing to travel further so they can enjoy a hassle-free start to their holidays.

The number of people looking for autumn and winter breaks is also growing. EMA is projecting to welcome a further 620,000 passengers between September and December this year.

There’s a range of destination options, with airlines offering some great bargains for flying via EMA. This includes flights in October to Dublin from £30, Carcassonne from £37, and to Milan and Wroclaw from £40.

Mike Grimes, Customer & Planning Director at EMA, says: “We’ve had another great summer, with growing numbers of people choosing EMA for our fast and friendly service that gets their holiday underway as soon as possible. We’re now looking forward to a similarly busy autumn and winter period, with plenty of ways to bag a bargain.”

Busiest day for East Midlands Airport since summer 2019

East Midlands Airport (EMA) has experienced its busiest day of the summer for passenger travel today - Friday 4 August.

Approximately 19,000 people travelled through the airport on Friday 4 August. This is the largest number of people the airport has welcomed through its doors on a single day since the summer of 2019, the last full summer season before the Covid pandemic hit. In the coming weeks, before schools return in September, passenger numbers are expected to rise to 95% of pre-Covid levels.

August will be the busiest month of the year, with 533,547 passengers expected. This is an increase of more than 38,000 passengers compared to July. During the entire ‘summer season’ (from April to the end of October), 3.17 million passengers will use the airport.

Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearics continue to be the most popular destinations for EMA passengers. This is reflected in the top 10 destinations passengers who choose East Midlands Airport are flying to this summer, which are:

Alicante (Spain)

Tenerife

Palma de Mallorca

Malaga

Faro (Portugal)

Arrecife (Lanzarote)

Dublin

Barcelona

Fuerteventura

Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)

Mike Grimes, Customer Services & Planning Director, said: “We’re delighted to be in the full swing of the summer season and welcoming almost as many passengers as we had pre-pandemic. This is a boost to the aviation sector as it continues its post-pandemic recovery. I’m pleased with how well our operation is performing with all our passengers currently clearing security in well under 15 minutes. We look forward to welcoming many more people through this airport in the coming weeks as people embark on their summer holidays.”

Books and laptops donated by Long Eaton school flown to Ghana thanks to East Midlands Airport and DHL Express

A primary school in Bunkpurugu, Ghana, will receive a donation of books and laptops thanks to a joint initiative between East Midlands Airport and a Long Eaton based primary school.

A primary school in Bunkpurugu, Ghana, has received a donation of books and laptops thanks to a joint initiative between East Midlands Airport and a Long Eaton based primary school.

In 2015, English Martyrs’ School in Long Eaton launched a ‘Building Hope’ fundraising appeal to provide the Lady of Hope school in Bunkpurugu, Ghana, with new facilities. The school’s buildings were some of the worst in the country. By 2018, £13,415.00 had been raised and construction of new buildings started that year.

The Lady of Hope school now has some of the most modern facilities in Ghana. English Martyrs’ support continues, and, last week, the school sent more than 200 books and eight brand new laptops to Ghana.

But a stumbling block was getting the shipment to Ghana. However, thanks to the school’s relationship with East Midlands Airport (English Martyrs’ is a recent recipient of eco-garden funding), contact was made with DHL Express who came to the rescue and collected the shipment from Long Eaton and flew it to Ghana.

Mrs Jo Pettifer (Assistant Head – English Martyrs’), said: “We couldn’t be more grateful to the airport and cargo partner DHL Express for their help with our shipment. This means so much to the children here who are passionate about supporting this cause. Our books are surplus to requirement due to changes to the curriculum and what better way to recycle them than to send them to our friends in Bunkpurugu.”

312,361 passengers travelled through East midlands Airport during April

East Midlands Airport saw 312,361 passengers travel through its terminal in April, considered to be the first full month of the ‘summer season’. This is up 24.8% compared to the same month last year and demonstrates a massive improvement on customer demand. 

The airport believes the growth in demand in the early part of the season bodes well for the peak summer months which start with the May half-term holiday running through to September. This year, 4 million passengers are expected to use EMA, which will be an uplift of more than 600,000 passengers compared with 2022.

Driving much of this increase are the airlines that base aircraft at EMA – Ryanair, JET2.com and TUI. All have added to their fleets this year with Ryanair now operating eight aircraft out of EMA and JET2.com seven.  TUI will operate five planes out of EMA this summer compared with three last year and, coupled with this investment, have brought back additional routes this summer to Antalya (Turkey), Hurghada (Egypt) and Gran Canaria. Eastern Airways, which recently launched the Newquay and Paris Orly flights also have an aircraft based at EMA. Other domestic routes are served by Aer Lingus Regional (Belfast) and passengers flying to the Channel Islands are catered for by airlines Blue Islands and Aurigny.

Airlines will start operating their full summer schedules to coincide with the start of the May half-term holiday resulting in more than 100 passenger flights a day. Between them, EMA’s airlines will fly people to more than 60 destinations this summer in mainland Europe, Eastern Europe, North Africa and across the UK. Eastern Airway’s new Paris Orly route provides seamless onward travel to destinations served by Air France via Paris’s second-largest airport.

East Midlands Airport receives a Disability Smart Award

East Midlands Airport (EMA) has won a prestigious Business Disability Forum ‘Disability Smart Inclusive Customer Service’ award in the category of inclusive customer service.

Disability Smart Awards recognise the work of teams and individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the experiences of disabled people. Ten Disability Smart Awards were presented at the annual event in London. Other winners included global brands, a UK charity, a social enterprise, and a local police force.

Chris Drury, Head of Customer Services at EMA, said: “On behalf of the entire team who work hard to ensure that all customers have the best possible experience when using this airport, I am thrilled to have received this award. It shows our recent investment is being recognised and, more importantly, passengers who rely on the support of our assisted travel team can easily access travel for which there should be no barriers.”

East Midlands Airport was congratulated for its innovative and inclusive approach to customer service. The airport has invested heavily in new specialist equipment for disabled passengers. It has introduced easier ways for customers to communicate with the Assisted Travel team wherever they are in the airport.

May - a month for explorations and short breaks.

Thanks to the Coronation, this year there are three Bank Holidays in May, making it the perfect month for a short break.

With daily domestic and European flights to a range of fantastic leisure destinations, East Midlands Airport (EMA) is the ideal airport of choice for a quick hop.

If a European city break appeals, then the 06:00 Ryanair flight to Rome on Saturday 29 April might suit. With a flight time of just over 2.5 hours, the “haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life” (Lonely Planet) of Italy’s capital city is within easy reach. Or if you’re after an “enchanting seaside city with boundless culture and fabled architecture” (Lonely Planet) then perhaps Barcelona would be preferable? The 06:45 departure on Saturday 29 April will get you there with plenty of time to soak up the Mediterranean vibe.

Thanks to Eastern Airway’s new services out of EMA, a stroll along on the Champs-Élysées could feature in your weekend plans. The 06:30 departure to Paris means that France’s capital is even doable as a day trip if your budget won’t stretch to an overnight stay.

But if sea air is what you’re craving, and closer to home, then now’s the time to dust off your wetsuit for a quick surf in Newquay. With a flight time of just over one hour, the 12:40pm departure to Newquay will give you an afternoon on the beach.  

Also within easy reach is Belfast, now served by Aer Lingus Regional and Ryanair. As well as spending time in this fascinating city – the Titanic Museum is a must – it is a great destination for exploring Northern Island, and the iconic World Heritage Site that is the Giant’s Causeway.

TUI announces largest ever flying programme from East Midlands Airport for summer 2024

TUI has responded to East Midlands AirportA’s increased passenger demand and, next year, will add a sixth aircraft to its fleet based at the airport. This will allow them to fly 85 flights a week in the peak summer months of summer 2024 to 27 destinations in 10 different countries.

TUI’s increased capacity means 100,000 additional seats for passengers offering more choice and flexibility for those wanting either a short break or a longer holiday, including: 

31 flights per week to Spain

16 flights a week to the Balearics

9  flights a week to the Canaries

6  flights week to mainland Spain

25 flights a week to eight destinations in Greece

10 flights a week to Turkey

6 flights a week to support the Marella Cruise programme to Corfu, Dalaman, Dubrovnik and Palma de Mallorca

More than 60,000 seats to Cyprus and 39,000 to Egypt

Flying exclusively from EMA to Enfidha and Hurghada (Turkey), and Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt)

As well as more flights to destinations already served by them, TUI will also introduce a new route to Sal, Cape Verde, an island off the coast of West Africa.

TUI’s continued investment and commitment to provide its largest ever offer at East Midlands Airport reflects the increasing confidence that passenger numbers are quickly returning to pre-Covid levels. This year EMA expects to welcome four million passengers whereas pre-Covid numbers peaked at around 4.8 million.

East Midlands - Newquay route starts....

Eastern Airways has started a new route to Newquay from East Midlands, with a flight time of just over an hour.  

Roger Hage, Commercial Director, Eastern Airways, said: “This is a major step in growing connectivity from and to the Cornwall base and is the only Midlands service from the Southwest of England. By adding East Midlands Airport with the major cities of Nottingham, Derby, Leicester all within 30-minutes and Sheffield within an hour, this welcome addition to the domestic network at East Midlands will aid those who travel for business, visit friends and family or seek a welcome leisure break. 

Roger went on to comment “Adding the new destination of East-Midlands significantly improves access to the heart of England and South Yorkshire staycation destination of choice. We want to ensure the right services are being offered given Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the UK, connecting people and places, so growing our Cornish network and capacity is a crucial part of increasing connectivity and aiding economic recovery to both business and the UK’s vital tourism sector where sustainable, both with increases to London and wider connections within the UK.”

Josie Hutt, Marketing Manager, Cornwall Airport Newquay commented: “As we continue to welcome a significant expansion of our route network here at Cornwall Airport Newquay, we are so pleased Eastern Airways has started flying between the East Midlands and the Southwest. Our research and passenger feedback has shown there is much demand for a link into the Midlands region from Cornwall.  Eastern Airways has been serving Cornwall since 2020 and it’s fantastic to be launching this inaugural route today.”

Eastern Airways’ recent announcement of their cooperation with Air France means there is now a frequent connection to Paris and ongoing connectivity with Air France’s network. Paris’s Orly Airport is ideally located for exploring the city itself and Euro Disney.

In a further boost to domestic connectivity, Aer Lingus has returned to East Midlands Airport to serve the popular Belfast route.

The airport’s ‘summer’ runs from April to October and starts this year just as schools break up for Easter. More than 86,000 passengers will depart from East Midlands Airport during the Easter fortnight to popular destinations across Europe.

The airport expects this summer to be the busiest since 2019 and forecasts suggest that 4 million passengers will use EMA this year.  During the peak summer months, which coincide with school holidays, passenger numbers are expected to return to 94 per cent of pre-Covid levels.

 With more flights and extra capacity in 2023, those planning to use the airport this year will be spoilt for choice. Between April and October, the airlines that serve EMA will fly to more than 60 destinations between them including the places that are most popular with UK holidaymakers.

Eastern Airways’ starts new daily service to Cornwall’s Newquay Airport from East Midlands Airport

Eastern Airways has started a new route to Newquay from East Midlands, with a flight time of just over an hour.  

Roger Hage, Commercial Director, Eastern Airways, said: “This is a major step in growing connectivity from and to the Cornwall base and is the only Midlands service from the Southwest of England. By adding East Midlands Airport with the major cities of Nottingham, Derby, Leicester all within 30-minutes and Sheffield within an hour, this welcome addition to the domestic network at East Midlands will aid those who travel for business, visit friends and family or seek a welcome leisure break. 

Roger went on to comment “Adding the new destination of East-Midlands significantly improves access to the heart of England and South Yorkshire staycation destination of choice. We want to ensure the right services are being offered given Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the UK, connecting people and places, so growing our Cornish network and capacity is a crucial part of increasing connectivity and aiding economic recovery to both business and the UK’s vital tourism sector where sustainable, both with increases to London and wider connections within the UK.”

Josie Hutt, Marketing Manager, Cornwall Airport Newquay commented: “As we continue to welcome a significant expansion of our route network here at Cornwall Airport Newquay, we are so pleased Eastern Airways has started flying between the East Midlands and the Southwest. Our research and passenger feedback has shown there is much demand for a link into the Midlands region from Cornwall.  Eastern Airways has been serving Cornwall since 2020 and it’s fantastic to be launching this inaugural route today.”

Eastern Airways’ recent announcement of their cooperation with Air France means there is now a frequent connection to Paris and ongoing connectivity with Air France’s network. Paris’s Orly Airport is ideally located for exploring the city itself and Euro Disney.

In a further boost to domestic connectivity, Aer Lingus has returned to East Midlands Airport to serve the popular Belfast route.

The airport’s ‘summer’ runs from April to October and starts this year just as schools break up for Easter. More than 86,000 passengers will depart from East Midlands Airport during the Easter fortnight to popular destinations across Europe.

The airport expects this summer to be the busiest since 2019 and forecasts suggest that 4 million passengers will use EMA this year.  During the peak summer months, which coincide with school holidays, passenger numbers are expected to return to 94 per cent of pre-Covid levels.

 With more flights and extra capacity in 2023, those planning to use the airport this year will be spoilt for choice. Between April and October, the airlines that serve EMA will fly to more than 60 destinations between them including the places that are most popular with UK holidaymakers.

Mobility scooters now available at East Midlands Airport

Four new mobility scooters at East Midlands Airport (EMA) will make it easier for disabled and older passengers to move around the airport.

The scooters have been provided by National Mobility Hire which is the UK’s largest supplier of fleet mobility services. 

Passengers can collect the scooters at the assisted travel desk in the check-in hall to use for getting from check-in, through security to the departure gates.

The scooters will give passengers who find it difficult to walk to the gate the freedom to manage their own journey through the airport allowing them more independence. The agile scooters can easily fit into lifts and tight spaces making it easy to navigate around a busy terminal. If popular with passengers, the airport will consider adding to the fleet next year.

Chris Drury, East Midlands Airport’s Head of Customer Services, said: “We know that many people choose East Midlands Airport because its compact size lends itself to an easier experience. We have invested heavily in our assisted travel services recently and are officially recognised as one of the UK’s top performing airports for accessibility. This latest investment in the scooters gives passengers even more choice and, more importantly, greater independence. We want everyone who uses the airport to enjoy travelling whether going on holiday, for business or to meet with friends and family.”

Fraser Brown, National Mobility Hire’s Director of Sales for UK & Ireland, said: “We have seen a dramatic shift over the last few years with venues and public spaces becoming more accessible to all customers. We are pleased to have played a part in helping them achieve this. We’re delighted to work with East Midlands Airport to supply the scooters which will considerably enhance the experience for passengers.”

East Midlands Airport anticipates a strong summer ahead

                             It is the first opportunity in 2023 that many families have had to get escape the UK winter, whether in search of sunnier weather in southern Europe or snow-capped mountain resorts.

Popular destinations include the Canary Islands where daytime temperatures at this time of year are in the high teens, while the winter sports market to Austria, France Switzerland and Bulgaria is catered for with flights to Salzburg, Chambery, Geneva and Sofia (Bulgaria).

Passengers using the airport this half-term will start to see changes to the layout of the food and drink outlets in the departure lounge. During the quieter weeks since Christmas, work began on refreshing Burger King while Pork and Pickle, Starbucks and Frankie and Benny’s are also undergoing a facelift ahead of the busier season which starts at Easter. This means extra seating for passengers as well as a more pleasant environment in which to relax before flights.

February half-term also provides a good opportunity for new recruits to experience a mini peak in passenger numbers. Following the airport’s recruitment drive, some new starters are already in post across the airport’s security, car parking and assisted travel teams. Recruitment is still ongoing ahead of the peak summer season, but good progress has been made to date. However, jobs are still available and anyone interested in finding out more should visit the careers pages on EMA’s website.

Airport bosses are optimistic that 2023 will be the year in which passenger numbers grow back to closer what they were pre-pandemic. Figures released this week show that EMA welcomed 3,267,290 passengers throughout the last 12 months (January 2022 – January 2023). This marked the airport’s first year of restriction-free operation since pre-Covid. But as the airlines that operate out of EMA respond to the increased demand by putting on more flights and increase the number of seats on sale, passenger numbers are expected to grow strongly this year.

Steve Griffiths, EMA’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome passengers to the airport this half-term, many of whom will be heading off somewhere exciting for a much-needed break. Although not yet our peak summer season, the next couple of weeks are a good indicator of passenger demand later in the year and it’s a good test of our readiness for what will be a fantastic summer for us and for our customers. We’re working flat out to ensure the experience for everyone who uses EMA is the best it can be this year.”

Aer Lingus Regional to start flights to Belfast City Airport from East Midlands Airport

Emerald Airlines, largest operator out of Belfast City Airport and exclusive operator of the Aer Lingus Regional network, today announces a new service from East Midlands Airport (EMA) to Belfast City.

The East Midlands to Belfast City service will start on Sunday 26 March, initially as a daily service, and will increase up to double daily from mid-April. Tickets are on sale now at www.aerlingus.com

Commenting on the announcement, Ciarán Smith, Head of Commercial at Emerald Airlines said: “We are very pleased to be strengthening our schedule out of Belfast City Airport. As the demand for travel options from Belfast only increases, this new route will no doubt be warmly welcomed. Earlier this week we announced that we will be adding 15,000+ seats immediately across our existing network from Belfast City, and we will continue growing these services in the months ahead.”

Steve Griffiths, East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted that the Aer Lingus Regional service between EMA and Belfast City will begin next month. This news will be well received by the passengers who make use of this popular route which is an important part of our domestic offer. We look forward to working with the airline as they seek further opportunities to grow their operation here.”

East Midlands Airport welcomes 30,000 visitors to its Aerozone

East Midlands Airport’s education facility, The Aerozone, has been used by 30,000 students since it opened in 2010. 

To mark the occasion, 28 Year 5 and 6 students from Dovecote Primary School in Clifton, Nottingham, attended a celebration event on Thursday 2 February at 10am. 

The Aerozone is East Midlands Airport’s bespoke on-site education facility which runs a programme of events through the year designed to inspire and enthuse young people about the airport, aviation and future careers within the sector. It provides an opportunity to find out first-hand what goes on behind the scenes. 

The facility was established as part of the airport’s wider commitment to supporting the local community. With its versatile classroom, interactive learning resources and proximity to the airport terminal, young people who attend the courses are immersed in a full airport experience. A recent addition includes a portable air traffic control simulator which gives users a virtual experience of what’s involved in being an air traffic controller. 

For the youngest children, there is also the ‘East Minilands’, a fun and interactive role-play area where children can dress up in uniform and have a go at being security officers or check-in staff. The space includes a check-in desk, security search area, café, shop and mock aeroplane cabin, complete with ten aircraft seats. 

East Midlands Airport reveals this summer’s destinations

East Midlands Airport (EMA) is gearing up for its busiest year for passenger travel since before the pandemic.

With more flights and extra capacity in 2023, those planning to use the airport this year will be spoilt for choice. Between April and October, the airlines that serve EMA will fly to 60 destinations between them including the places that are most popular with UK holidaymakers. 

More than half of all East Midlands passengers fly to Spain, the Balearics and the Canaries. This summer the most frequently flown to destinations will be Palma (Majorca) with 35 weekly flights, followed by Alicante (26 weekly flights), Faro - Portugal (24 weekly flights) and Malaga (23).

Two new destinations will also be on offer this year thanks to Ryanair flying to Cork and Eastern Airways’ new flight to Newquay in Cornwall.

East Midlands Airport is served by seven airlines – Ryanair, JET2.com. TUI, Flybe, Eastern Airways, Aurigny and Blue Islands who will fly more than 360 flights a week to and from EMA this summer.

With no travel restrictions hampering the start of 2023 as there were last year, the airport’s preparations for this year’s peak season are already underway. Roles in security, customer services, car parking and assisted travel teams are being recruited to while training courses are already filling up with potential new starters.

East Midlands Airport welcomes Christmas travellers

East Midlands Airport (EMA) will welcome more than 80,000 Christmas travellers over the next two weeks. Monday 19 December is the busiest day for pre-Christmas travel.

Destinations favoured by travellers this Christmas period are those offering an escape from the cold, such as the Canary Islands, or festive city breaks in Dublin, Belfast, Riga, Amsterdam, Budapest and Berlin.

And the airport has given those due to travel this festive season its top tips for ensuring their time at the airport is as smooth as possible. Passengers who want to retain some element of a traditional Christmas should pack wisely. Those wishing to take Christmas crackers with them should check with their airline before flying as policies do vary. However, the airport is advising against items such as party poppers and snow globes. Gifts should also be left unwrapped if they’re taken through security in hand luggage.

Steve Griffiths, East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director, said: “We look forward to welcoming passengers to East Midlands Airport during this festive season as people travel to be with friends and family or take well-earned breaks. It’s been a momentous year for the aviation sector as it found its feet after such a prolonged period of uncertainty and disruption. Here at EMA there is a very strong foundation to build on as we plan for 2023 and prepare to welcome even more passengers as demand for travel continues to grow. Having had a few months of stability this year, we can now plan with more certainty for next year as we strengthen our friendly and customer focused offer.”

EMA’s reputation as an easy-to-use airport got a boost this week as the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) rated its accessibility provision as “Very Good”. It is one of few UK airports to maintain this score throughout the year. In its report, the CAA references EMA as a leading example of how these services should be delivered. The full report can be found here. 

The festive season marks the end of a year that saw passengers return to air travel following two years of pandemic disruption. Twelve months ago, travel restrictions were still in place and concern around the Omicron variant dampened enthusiasm and demand for overseas travel. As restrictions lifted, passengers numbers returned to 75% of pre-Covid levels.as people took their first trips this year.

Looking ahead, the airport hopes to build on this success and continue to grow the operation into 2023 when more passengers are expected. In readiness for this, the airport has already launched its recruitment drive for customer-facing roles in security, car parking and assisted travel teams. More than 100 vacancies are currently available to job seekers.

EMA continues to play a key role in ensuring parcels and gifts find their way under Christmas trees around the world in time. December is the airport’s ‘peak season’ for cargo when a surge in demand is driven by consumers. One million individual items pass through the airport each day with goods ranging from manufactured components to household items, and personal electronic devices to medical supplies pass through the airport every day.

East Midlands Airport spreads Christmas cheer to local communities

East Midlands Airport (EMA) purchased 186 tickets to the pantomime Sleeping Beauty in Loughborough Town Hall.

The tickets were given to children and their families from Rendell Primary School, Cobden Primary School and Limehurst Academy in Loughborough for the matinee performance on Saturday 26 November.

Making their experience even more special, goody bags full of treats and surprises were given to audience members by airport staff supported by local MP Jane Hunt.

Jane said, “I was delighted to hear about East Midlands Airport’s generous Christmas initiative. This is a fantastic way to bring some Christmas magic to local school children and I am sure that the goody bags will go down a treat!”

The airport has also contributed donations to 250 Christmas hampers for people aged 75 and over in Kegworth. The hampers have been arranged by local group, One Kegworth, and include homemade Christmas cake, mince pies, chocolate oranges, fruit, a wide range of other food items and a Kegworth calendar.

East Midlands Airport’s support has been made possible thanks to its Community Sponsorship Fund. This 'small grants fund' supports local charities and community groups which, without financial backing, might otherwise not be able to take place. This year alone, 23 different groups have benefitted from more than £14,000 of funding.

Colleen Hempson, East Midlands Airport’s Community Engagement Manager, said: “Christmas is a joyful time of the year, but for many people the festive season can be really tough. Thanks to our Community Sponsorship Fund, we’re able to step in and help and, by doing so, bring a little festive cheer to those who need it most.”

East Midlands Airport lights up control tower in support of hospice remembrance appeal

East Midlands Airport (EMA) has lit up its air traffic control tower in support of the Treetops Hospice Light Up A Life appeal.

Passengers travelling to and from the airport will see the Light Up a Life logo projected onto the iconic 51-meter-high tower.

The annual Treetops Light Up a Life appeal encourages people to remember a loved one by dedicating a light on the hospice Christmas tree.

Steve Griffiths, East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to support the Light Up A Life appeal and raise awareness of the incredibly important work Treetops does, by putting the charity’s name up in lights on our air traffic control tower.

“This airport serves the region in many ways by connecting people and goods to destinations all over the world. But we also take our role as a local community champion very seriously. Hopefully, our association with this initiative will help raise awareness of Treetops work to provide vital end-of-life care.”

Treetops Chief Executive, Julie Heath, said:  “We are very grateful to East Midlands Airport for once again helping us raise awareness of Light Up A Life.

“Light Up a Life is very special to Treetops and the local community. Every year, hundreds of people remember their loved ones by dedicating a light. Proceeds from dedications go towards helping us care for patients and families in the local community.

Fiona Hickey, from Belper, has been dedicating a light in memory of her mum, Natalie, every year since she died of ovarian cancer in 2013. She is sharing her story to encourage others to support the local charity.

“It was always mum’s wish to stay at home, our family home, when the end came. So, between myself, my dad and my daughter, we looked after her.

“Towards the end, we were struggling because somebody had to be with her throughout the night. We were all exhausted.”

Treetops Hospice at Home nurses came to help care for Natalie at night.

“The Treetops nurse who came to us was like ‘an angel on earth’. She made so much difference. I knew I was leaving mum in capable, safe hands and it just meant we could all relax, have a good night's sleep, and be fresh the next day.

“In the end, mum died at home peacefully and we were all with her. We fulfilled our promise to keep her at home and we couldn’t have done that without Treetops Hospice.

“We do Light Up a Life every year since mum died. I just think it's such a lovely way to include somebody that you've lost in a family celebration at Christmas.

“By dedicating a light, you're remembering that person, and you're also giving something towards helping somebody else.”

For more information and to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one, head to www.treetops.org.uk/lights or call the hospice on 0115 949 1264.