Birmingham Airport in the UK has invested in WebTrak software, which uses the same radar feed as Air Traffic Control, to enable members of the public to view aircraft operations.
The adoption of the software is also aligned with the airport’s sustainability strategy, which commits to being a responsible neighbour and sets out to be transparent, with data being shared with the local community.
Anyone can now use WebTrak’s interactive interface to view information such as a flight’s point of closest approach to their home, aircraft noise levels, and more. They can also report any concerns easily and directly to the airport using a quick link to a contact form.
“As an airport, we rightly have an obligation and commitment to work with our community,” said Tom Denton, Head of Sustainability at Birmingham Airport. “WebTrak enables transparent tw0-way communication and dialogue with our neighbours, ensuring that we are delivering on the promises within our sustainability strategy and plan.”
In addition to its investment in WebTrak, and in keeping with its strategy to maintain a dialogue with the local community, the airport has also developed an employability programme aimed at helping local people learn about the range of careers available in the aviation sector.
The programme has been developed in partnership with The Launch Group, with several candidates proving successful in progressing to the next stage of the Birmingham Airport Security Officer selection process, following the two-week course which was run recently in the airport’s Learning Hub.
Andy Holding, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Birmingham Airport, said: “We are determined that the success of Birmingham Airport is shared by our neighbours, and one of the most important ways we can ensure that happens is by connecting local people to the job opportunities which a thriving airport delivers.
“This programme does just that, and I’ve been impressed by everyone’s commitment to making it work – tutors, airport staff, and not least the participants themselves.”
