November 2012 saw the start of a new group aimed at promoting and supporting their local airport.
What was then Friends of Durham Tees Valley Airport (FoDTVA) was started by local enthusiasts and those with an interest in their local airport, alongside the then airport management.
Now, ten years on, what is now Friends of Teesside International Airport (FOTIA) has celebrated its tenth anniversary – an impressive achievement, which has seen the group go through many ups and downs alongside the airport it supports.
On Friday 28th October a celebratory event was held at the Skybar inside the terminal at Teesside Airport, attended by many members of the group, as well as members of the airport’s management.
It was a great social evening, and a chance to enjoy a drink and some excellent food prepared by the airport, in this excellent venue.
Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, said: “The airport owes a great debt to this group.” He added “The people who set the foundations for this airport are (this group), who stuck through the bad times and supported it.”
FOTIA Chairman Brian Robinson added his own thoughts, stating he has been “privileged to be chairman of the group since 2015.” and that he would “like to thank his committee in supporting him and the group.”
Thinking of the past ten years, Brian noted the many events the group have been involved in, from supporting one-off charters to Lourdes and Lapland for many years, to going on trips to air bases, Amsterdam and companies on the airport site.
“The biggest event we have been involved in” he added “was when the Canadian Lancaster arrived in 2014.”
This event saw members of the group rally together to spend three days helping repair the grounded aircraft following its visit, allowing it to continue its tour of Britain.
Andy Laundon, Operations and Estates Director at Teesside International Airport also gave a few words, admitting it was “weird being part of an airport management team that has a team like you that wants to help us. Weird but good!”
He admitted it “Makes a real difference” and going forward he wants to springboard the group.
As well as these words about the group, all three had plenty to say about exciting new things happening at the airport and for the group. However, these were for the ears of the attendees only, for the time being.
Thanks to all who joined us on the night.
Here’s a gallery of pictures from some of the events of the past ten years. Here’s to the next ten!
