The Airport Fire Officers Association (AFOA) is holding its first mini conference of 2021 at the Holiday Inn, Calderdale, Yorkshire on 29 June, covering updates on the latest guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), followed by the launch of the Z6 ARFF vehicle at Venari Group.
Introduced by Simon Petts, Chairman of AFOA, the morning conference will feature presentations from Jon Lacey and Joy Flannagan of the NFCC.
ACO Jon Lacey, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, and recently appointed NFCC Transportation – Aviation Group lead, will lay out his vision for the group’s work streams. He sees AFOA as a key link into the aviation fire and rescue sector and initial meetings with AFOA have already made significant progress.
Joy Flannagan, Fire Standards and Strategy Support Manager, will give a presentation on NFCC Fire Standards. The NFCC has been working closely with AFOA to ensure inclusion of aviation fire and rescue services within Fire Standards implementation and ongoing development.
Simon Petts will complete the morning session with a review of the aviation ramp-up risks, as travel restrictions begin to lift, and airport fire and rescue services prepare for an increase in air passenger traffic.
“The return to busy air traffic movement numbers following a fairly dormant year is a critical phase in aviation history,” says Simon Petts. “The associated risks are being well highlighted, and the rescue and fire fighting services are working with the CAA on preparation and readiness.”
After lunch delegates will visit the Venari Group headquarters in nearby Brighouse for the launch of the much-anticipated Z6 MFT 6×6 airport rescue and fire fighting vehicle. Introduced by Venari Group CEO Oliver North, the afternoon will include vehicle inspection and display accompanied by the Venari team.
The day concludes with a networking dinner in the evening, sponsored by Venari Group.
Delegate places are limited to 24 due to covid restrictions on meeting size, with a maximum of one delegate per airport organisation. Those unable to attend in person will be able to view a video recording available on the AFOA website and social media channels after the event.
