Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Stansted's snow team gears up for winter

As temperatures hit the mid-20 oC this week, it may seem odd to hear London Stansted has been preparing for the winter by kicking-off its snow training programme to ensure the airport is ready for any adverse weather in the months ahead.

Image courtesy MAG

The snow team, which is responsible for clearing runways, taxiways and aircraft stands during wintry weather conditions, has been diligently working over the last few weeks to fine-tune its winter operations plan.

To familiarise themselves with the airport's fleet of specialist equipment and snow clearing techniques, the team has been conducting regular training sessions, while emergency response plans have been revised and updated to ensure they are able to respond efficiently to any snow-related incidents.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Nick Millar, the airport’s Operations Director, said: “With more than 29 million passengers travelling through London Stansted in all weather conditions each year, it’s a big job to ensure the airfield and runway are always safe and operational. Winter brings additional complexities, and a large team of colleagues work together to prepare for snow and ice, no matter how rare it is in this part of the UK. We have a robust Winter Operations Plan in place which is reviewed and tested every year to make sure that everyone involved in responding to a snow event is fully prepared if and when the time comes.

“One of the key aspects of preparation is ensuring that the airport has the necessary equipment and resources to handle snow and ice effectively. The snow team has been conducting inspections and maintenance of its snowploughs, blowers, and other snow removal equipment to ensure they are in good working condition. They also check we have sufficient supplies of salt and de-icer to ensure the runway and taxiways are adequately treated during icy conditions.”

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

The airport's proactive approach to winter planning extends beyond the runway and airfield to ensure that other airport facilities, including the car parks, airport roads, and passenger walkways, are also well prepared to deal with the challenges posed by cold weather.

“Our commitment to winter preparedness is to provide a safe and smooth travel experience for passengers, and by proactively preparing early for the season's challenges, the airport is ensuring it has done all it to can to continue flight operations even during the harshest of weather conditions,” added Nick.

Advertisement
Roke Roke
Skyports acquires Redbird Aero

Aerospace

Skyports acquires Redbird Aero

17 April 2025

Skyports Drone Services (Skyports) has acquired Redbird Aero, Australia’s leading large cargo drone operator.

Farnborough Airport voted top FBO in Europe

Aerospace

Farnborough Airport voted top FBO in Europe

17 April 2025

Farnborough Airport has today announced that it has been voted as Europe’s number one FBO (Fixed Base Operator) in the 2025 Professional Pilot PRASE Survey, marking an outstanding 18 years in the top spot.

Birmingham Airport has record year

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport has record year

17 April 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) had a record year in 2024/25 welcoming over 13 million passengers, marking a new peak for the transport hub.

Unifi secures Oxford Airport ground handling and security contracts

Aerospace Security

Unifi secures Oxford Airport ground handling and security contracts

17 April 2025

Unifi has secured its first business aviation ground handling contract and its third Fixed Base Operation/FBO security contract in the UK at London Oxford Airport, marking a major expansion of its services and a new milestone in its global growth.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
NATS and ANSPs to drive sustainable aviation through GAIN

Aerospace

NATS and ANSPs to drive sustainable aviation through GAIN

16 April 2025

Green Aviation Insights (GAIN), a novel tool developed by NATS in collaboration with leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) – CAAM, skeyes and AZANS officially launches today.

Southend Airport wins Best Route Development & Marketing award at Routes Europe 2025

Aerospace

Southend Airport wins Best Route Development & Marketing award at Routes Europe 2025

15 April 2025

Southend Airport has won the award for Best Route Development & Marketing in the airports under five million passengers category at this year’s Routes Europe Awards in Seville, Spain.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025