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Airport presented with employer award for work done to support armed forces leavers

Published Nov 23, 2023

The airport has now been officially presented with the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award, an accolade which recognises work the airport does to support forces leavers.

Chief Operating Officer Adam Wilson received the award from Air Officer Scotland, Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson during a ceremony at the airport.

The presentation was attended by members of Lowland RFCA and representatives from the Royal Air Force, along with airport teams.

The award is the second highest badge of honour available to organisations that employ and support reservists, service leavers, veterans and their families.

Each award winner has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment to supporting defence through services, policy and advocacy.

Silver ERS Award presentation

Image: Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson and Edinburgh Airport Chief Operating Officer Adam Wilson.

'We see the positive impact brought by those from defence and armed forces backgrounds'

Adam Wilson, Edinburgh Airport's Chief Operating Officer, said:

"We often say aviation is a team game, and at Edinburgh Airport we’re fortunate enough to have armed forces leavers working in a variety of different roles across our team – bringing a wealth of real-life experience and a wide range of skills to the business.

"We see the positive impact brought by those from defence and armed forces backgrounds when they arrive here, and many of the traits learned and honed in previous roles can be applied at EDI. Whether they are involved in the planning and running of the fast-paced airport operation, helping manage crisis situations, or leading airport teams under pressure, their experience tends to be invaluable.

"To be recognised with this ERS Silver Award is something we’re incredibly proud of, and reflects the hard work which goes into ensuring we’re an inclusive employer which sees the value in attracting talent from a wide range of different backgrounds and career paths. However it also offers us the opportunity to recognise the contribution armed forces veterans make to Edinburgh Airport each and every day, ensuring the best experience for our passengers, airlines and all other stakeholders.

"As a former British Army officer, I’ll always be an advocate for supporting armed forces leavers, just as they support us, and I know this approach is replicated across the business. We look forward to building on the work done on this area and attracting yet more talent from a forces background in the future."

Silver ERS Award - Mike Snape, Scott McLaren and Jason Dunlop

Image: Mike Snape, Scott McLaren and Jason Dunlop who work at the airport and have a background in the forces.

'Defence and Edinburgh Airport have strong historical links'

Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson, the senior RAF Officer in Scotland, said:

"Defence and Edinburgh Airport have strong historical links, ever since it became a military aerodrome in 1916. In 1918, when the RAF came into being, the aerodrome became RAF Turnhouse; many locals of a certain vintage will remember that time fondly.

"The strong working relationship has been in the spotlight most recently, as Her Late Majesty’s coffin departed Scotland from Edinburgh Airport, and the RAF had the privilege of providing the escort for that journey. The RAF's links, and Defence in general, to Edinburgh Airport go back a long way, making it a particular pleasure to be here as Air Officer Scotland today and to present this well-deserved award."

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