£12,000 donated to community at airport awards ceremony

11 December 2012

Southampton Airport celebrated the achievements of its staff on Thursday night, including those who volunteer in the community resulting in nearly £12,000 of donations to local causes.

The annual event, which this year took place at Chilworth Manor, sees staff awarded for their efforts in Continuous Improvement, Customer Service and volunteering and fundraising.

The top prize for Continuous Improvement was for the idea to replace the airport’s traditional Christmas card with a You Tube video. The idea involved staff from all over the airport, giving a spoof behind the scenes view on how the airport is preparing for Christmas, and was made in partnership with students from Southampton Solent University.  Also rewarded was the introduction of chewing gum recycling points which have greatly reduced time spent cleaning and unblocking loos.

Customer Service awards were made to two members of Servisair, the company responsible for check-in, baggage and passenger assistance at the airport, and to three Flybe crew members who had all gone above and beyond their jobs to assist passengers in difficult circumstances.

The airport’s community fund supports the efforts of staff who volunteer for local charities and community projects, and who have taken part in fundraising activities over the year.  Winners included a London 2012 Gamesmaker, local Air Cadet and Girl Guide volunteers and a London Marathon runner.

Airport Managing Director, Dave Lees, commented, “It’s fantastic to be able to reward our staff for their efforts over the year, especially as some of the awards have come from feedback from passengers about how particular members of staff have helped them.  It’s also humbling to see how much time and effort our staff are putting into supporting the local community in their free time.”