Airport operations manager
Kieran Tedman is airport operations manager at Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport
“When I was young my holiday began the moment I arrived at the airport – not at the final destination. The buzz of the environment, the sight of aircraft landing and departing for destinations across the globe, had me hooked on pursuing a future in the industry. “I have always been passionate about working in an airport
and I began my journey as a volunteer at Glasgow airport, which involved welcoming hundreds of thousands of tourists and athletes for the Commonwealth Games in 2014 – even meeting some famous faces. “Soon after, I
studied management and marketing with international studies at the University of Strathclyde and was able to stay on at Glasgow airport. During my years there, I worked across a variety of operational roles, as well as within the airport’s commercial retail team. “In 2019, I joined Heathrow on its Future Leaders Graduate
Heathrow airport
Programme, which gave me the opportunity to experience a range of placements across the business as well as deepen my industry knowledge. I have been very fortunate throughout my time in aviation. “Fast forward to today and, a few roles later, I’m now directly
accountable for the safe, secure and efficient operation of one of the world’s busiest airports. It’s a highly responsible role, but one I’m proud to carry out every day. No two days – or even two hours – are the same! On our busiest days, we serve around 250,000 arriving and departing passengers across four operational terminals and two runways.”
takeoffintravel.co.uk takeoffintravel.co.uk
WHAT MY DAY LOOKS LIKE
The role of airport operations manager is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year position, with 12-hour shifts, either during the day or at night. The following would be a typical day for me:
5AM: I take a handover from the night shift airport operations manager, gaining an understanding of the preceding 12 hours. Shortly after, I speak with airlines to see how we can best support their day’s operation.
6.15AM: I host a conference call with all key airport teams to ensure we have a shared understanding of the day’s focus areas, as well as discussing any challenges for the day ahead. I also liaise with the Metropolitan Police.
8AM: 0 ^YP[L H YLWVY[ Z\TTHYPZPUN V\Y ÄYZ[ ^H]L [OL I\Z` WLYPVK VM LHYS` TVYUPUN ÅPNO[Z WLYMVYTHUJL ^OPJO SHUKZ in email inboxes at this time, just as most people start their working day.
10AM: I have a meeting with the Metropolitan Police to discuss emerging risks or issues – we have a close working relationship with our policing colleagues. The remainder of my shift is varied – I stay up to date on the latest infrastructure changes, make critical operational decisions, respond to emails and calls and enjoy just getting out across the airport and TLL[PUN MLSSV^ Z[Hff
S “Take every opportunity – my
summer of volunteering before starting
4.30PM: I begin to pull together my handover ahead of the night shift airport operations manager taking over from me at 5pm.
university has led me to where I am today. Along the way I’ve met
some incredible people who work within our industry.”
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PICTURE: LHR Airports Limited/David Hare
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