by Megan Lohden

Farnborough Airport has announced the appointment of Colin Flack as the new chairman of the Farnborough Aerodrome Consultative Committee (FACC).

The FACC is an independent forum whose membership comprises elected persons who represent a broad spectrum of interests, including users of the airport, local authorities, and community groups.

The FACC aims to promote a common understanding among stakeholders of how the airport’s operations might impact people.

Flack has a decade of aviation industry experience, including independent chair of the Birmingham Airport Consultative Committee (BACC), and chair of the UK Airport Consultative Committee (UKACC).

He will be responsible for chairing the FACC under the Guidelines for Airport Consultative Committees published by the Department for Transport.

Before his time at the UKACC and BACC, Flack served in the British Army for 26 years and has developed a successful business in the railway sector. Recently he completed an MSc at the University of Birmingham’s School of Engineering.

In addition, Flack is an advisor to the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). He will continue to fulfil these roles alongside his appointment to the FACC and is studying for a PhD in aviation consultation and the stakeholder engagement process.

Simon Geere, chief executive at Farnborough Airport, said: “Working with our wide range of stakeholders is central to our efforts in being a responsible business.

“We welcome Colin as chair of the FACC to continue to develop a common understanding between Farnborough Airport, its users and the wider community.”

Geere added: “I would also like to sincerely thank Philip Riley for his stewardship of the FACC of the years. Philip has done an incredible job and we are hugely appreciative of his dedication and service since his appointment back in 2007.”

Commenting on his appointment, Colin said: “I look forward to joining the FACC and establishing a collaborative relationship with committee members, where all parties are able to engage with each other in a meaningful way, within the bounds of the remit of the Committee.”