FOUR YEARS OF CHANGE

2020 was a challenging year for everyone, but keenly felt in the aviation industry. Covid-19 was grounding fleets around the world, aircraft were being parked with no idea when they would fly again and as a consequence, maintenance work was drying up. I know what you’re thinking – this would be an ideal time to step into a new Business Development role at an independent MRO.

When I walked into the Twin Peak hangars for the first time in July of that year, it was clear from the outset that Caerdav had a plan, and that the team were committed to seeing it through. Despite what was happening in the world being beyond anyone’s control, it was exciting to feel like I was getting on board at the start of a new chapter.

Post pandemic we were delighted to have kept all of our staff in the business and to have ridden out the storm. As the industry saw the first shoots of recovery, the hard work really started on pushing the business forward – and as the Business Development Manager, that certainly kept me busy.

Four years down the line – and now as Commercial Director – I’m proud of what we have achieved as a team. The foundation was set through bringing in major new customers, with the likes of our engine change agreement with GE Aviation and ongoing maintenance seasons with Ryanair consistently filling the hangars.

From there, we’ve looked at expanding our operation through the Cardiff Airport Line Station and the soon to open 3rd line of maintenance at St. Athan. With more capacity for work, we’ve needed more staff and our workforce has grown significantly in the last few years, and it’s only going to get larger.

We’ve also introduced our outstanding Apprenticeship Programme. The first cohort came on board about a year into my time here and it’s been fantastic to see them graduate this summer.

Of course it hasn’t all been level flight, there have been some turbulent times, but it’s fantastic to be part of a team that looks to tackle those challenges together – and we’ve gone from strength to strength because of that.

To celebrate four years at Caerdav, I wanted to take a look back and reflect on what we’ve achieved, and it has been phenomenal. However, it’s still very clear to me that Caerdav is only just getting started!