In preparation for the 2016 BACA Awards the association has introduced a brand new Award category for young people. The purpose of the Young Person of the Year Award is to provide recognition for young people who have made an outstanding start to their career in aviation. The nomination criteria specified that nominees should have made a significant impact with their work but are still 25 years of age or younger. Key factors in selecting a short list were enthusiasm, positive attitude, initiative and a passion for aviation.

The new Young Person of the Year Award reflects how brokers are accepting and embracing new entrants to the industry.  Changes in technology and working practices have opened up many opportunities for young people. The number and quality of nominees in the first round certainly reflected that change, as well as the dynamics of a fast-paced, rapidly changing industry.  All nominees for the award were reviewed by the BACA Council and from the list of nominees a short list of the best three candidates was produced. The shortlisted candidates were invited to submit summaries of their careers to date in order that a winner may be chosen.  The winner will be presented with the Award at the BACA Awards lunch on the 19^th October at the Guildhall in London.

The shortlist of nominees are as follows;

Peter Ogilvie, Harrods Aviation – Following a stint working at Inflite during his school work experience placement, Peter sent the Office Manager a letter to say that he had decided not to go to University, he was coming back to work for Inflite. He went on to say that if Inflite did not have a job available he would work for free.  Peter shows what any young person can achieve in Aviation without wanting to be a Pilot, or without having to obtain a degree, but through being focused, passionate and proactive.

Tom Petersen, ACC Aviation – Tom has had a great 2016 so far, exceeding his targets and becoming a very knowledgeable and professional broker with many excellent client and operator relationships.  He consistently demonstrates the qualities of an excellent broker and is highly respected.   Tom has also recently taken on a key mentoring role in ACC Aviation’s new graduate development scheme, helping to train future brokers during their 12 month initial course.  ACC Aviation is confident Tom will become a very successful senior broker as his career progresses.

Max Randall, Saxonair –  In the relatively short time that Max has been with SaxonAir he has become a very well-known and respected industry character and an excellent ambassador for his company. SaxonAir knows that if Max is looking after a flight, it will go well and excellent customer service is guaranteed!

BACA Chairman Richard Mumford comments “I believe this Award is a great step forward in encouraging and rewarding young people in the air charter industry. We have received some incredible nominations for the Young Person of the Year Award and the Council certainly had its work cut out in selecting a winner.  I look forward to presenting the Award at the BACA Autumn lunch and congratulate all those who have participated for such a high standard of entries.”