Suckling Airways announces new management structure
The airline, which was acquired by Scotland's Loganair earlier this year, is setting out its plans for the future in advance of co-founder and managing director, Merlyn Suckling, stepping down at the end of this year.
David Harrison, chief executive of parent company Loganair, will take on the role of managing director of Suckling Airways. Both he and Loganair chairman, Scott Grier OBE, have joined the board of Suckling Airways.
At an operational level, long-serving chief pilot, Captain Dave Knight, will take on the new position of operations director, assuming responsibility for the safe conduct of the airline’s activities. Commercial manager, Jerry Froggett, is promoted to commercial director with both directors reporting to David Harrison.
Captain Nigel McClure has been promoted to chief pilot and will report to Dave Knight.
In order to provide valued stability and continuity, the Company has said that Merlyn Suckling will stay on to serve as a non-executive director, when she steps down from day-to-day management responsibilities.
Commenting on the new appointments, managing director David Harrison said: “The new structure implemented will ensure that Suckling Airways continues to provide the highest standards of safety, reliability and service to its customers.
“We have an excellent team in place to take the business forwards, and I’m also pleased that Merlyn Suckling has agreed to remain as a non-executive director. Her experience, wisdom and excellent rapport built up with the airline’s customers over the years will continue to be an invaluable asset.”
Loganair’s acquisition of Suckling Airways was completed in August, and the two companies have been working closely to develop new business since that time. Suckling has commenced a new contract with Air France subsidiary CityJet to operate its services between Dundee and London City and taken on the operation of new contracts in the oil and gas sector from Aberdeen in conjunction with Loganair. Further developments in the UK and Europe are expected in the very near future.
Suckling Airways is based at Cambridge Airport and operates a fleet of five 31/32 seat Dornier 328 fast turboprop aircraft on charter and contract flights throughout the UK and Europe. It counts a number of Premier League and Championship football clubs, blue-chip companies and major European airlines amongst its clients.
