Oxford Airport appoints Mike Sparrow as Airport Manager

Wednesday 19th November, 2008

Oxford Airport announces the appointment of Mike Sparrow as its new Airport Manager. The appointment takes effect immediately, following the retirement of Doug Roberts, who held the position for six years.

Mike joins the airport’s management team with a proven track record in the aviation industry, having started his career in 1981 as an aircraft paint sprayer for the MoD working with the RAF and the US Air Force on aircraft such as Harriers, Jaguars, The Red Arrows and the Queens Flight aircraft. Mike then changed job to work with air cargo, becoming a hazardous cargo specialist, supervising the loading of C23 and C130 aircraft. More recently Mike was operations manager at Kemble Airport. He is qualified in air traffic control as a Flight Information Services Officer and is well aware of the demands of running a safe and efficient airport.

“I have strong family connections with aviation – my father was a fire-fighter at RAF Kemble for 39 years, my grandmother laid the first turf on the airfield when it was originally constructed and my grandfather was an aircraft engineer,” said Mike. “I am extremely happy to continue the family tradition, especially at such an interesting time for the aviation industry and specifically Oxford Airport.”

Mike reports directly to Steve Jones, Oxford Airport’s Managing Director and takes responsibility for maintaining the airport’s safe operating environments and CAA aerodrome licence, overseeing a team of 44 personnel.

oxfordjet, Oxford Airport’s dedicated business aviation terminal was opened in July this year. The new facilities provide passengers with luxurious facilities, including VIP and VVIP zones, private shower rooms, a bar, meeting rooms and customs and immigration facilities. The terminal overlooks the main business aircraft apron, providing easy access to aircraft.

Steve Jones, Oxford Airport’s Managing Director, said: “The airport is currently undergoing an exciting period of growth and change. Mike clearly has a passion for the industry and he’s a very welcome addition to the airport team. Mike has had a few months working together with Doug Roberts, who has now successfully handed over the reins of the Airport Manager role. I would like to wish Doug all the very best for the future and hope he enjoys his travels in Australia.”

Mike Sparrow lives in Latton, near Cirencester, with his girlfriend Sarah who is also a keen aviator and holds a commercial pilot’s licence. In his spare time Mike enjoys Formula 1, photography, going to the gym and he’s a keen tennis player.