Airport Operators Association
| Abbreviation | AOA |
|---|---|
| Motto | The Voice of UK airports |
| Formation | 1934 |
| Legal status | Non-profit company |
| Purpose | Airports in the UK |
| Location |
|
Region served | UK |
Membership | UK airport operators (50+ airports) |
Chief Executive | Darren Caplan |
Main organ | AOA Board (Chairman - Ed Anderson) |
| Website | AOA |
The Airport Operators Association (AOA) is the national voice of UK airports. It is a trade association representing the interests of UK airports, and the principal such body engaging with the UK Government and regulatory authorities on airport matters. Its mission is to see UK airports grow sustainably. The AOA represents some 50+ UK airports and general aviation airfields in the UK.
History
It was formed in 1934 as the Aerodrome Owners' Association. On 17 April 1990 it became the Airport Operators Association.
Structure
It represents 50+ airports and around 160 companies and organisations which do not own airports, but operate in the aviation industry.
Function
The AOA is the organisation which speaks on behalf of UK airports. It engages with UK Government, parliamentarians and regulatory authorities to secure policy outcomes that support growth in the aviation sector. Policy and campaigning remains at the heart of how it promotes the UK airports sector and communicates its message to political and public audiences.
It engages actively with key decision makers, and makes a positive case that the airports sector is vital for promoting jobs, growth and economic sustainability for UK plc. It calls for unashamedly pro-aviation policies, such as an end to increases in Air Passenger Duty (APD), and a planning and regulatory regime which supports both a network of vibrant point-to-point airports and world-class hub capacity, and for all three major political parties to commit to acting on the recommendations of the Airports Commission, which is due to publish its findings in 2015.
It is an active member of the A Fair Tax on Flying campaign, a coalition of more than 30 leading travel and aviation organisations including airlines, airports, trade associations and destinations who believe that APD is too high and is doing growing damage to jobs, growth and the UK economic recovery. It is also a member of Sustainable Aviation, a coalition of the UK’s airports, airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and air traffic management providers, launched in 2005 to allow the industry to come together to tackle the challenges of delivering a sustainable future for aviation: for example, dealing with carbon emissions, noise and local impacts around airports.
In October 2012 it published its latest policy document, "An Integrated Policy Framework for UK Aviation", which set out 25 recommendations to the Government on how to achieve a bold and integrated aviation policy which promotes growth and long-term sustainability in the sector.
Its trade journal is called the "Airport Operator" and is published quarterly. In addition, it publishes an Annual Report and a regular "Monthly Update" for its members. It organises a number of events throughout the year, including an Annual Dinner, the principal aviation dinner in Europe; an Annual Conference; a Summer Reception and conferences on Environment; Security and Operations & Safety.