Transforming airside operations on the journey to reach net-zero

[Moderator] Rachel Gardner- Poole, Environmental Consultant, NATS

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Rachel has extensive experience across aviation, science, and technology, holding senior roles at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the UK Space Agency, and Connected Places Catapult. Under the previous UK Government, she chaired the UK Jet Zero Council Zero Emission Flight Delivery Group, an aviation stakeholder group focused on the technology, airport infrastructure and regulation required to achieve net zero by 2050. 

Rachel is a Director of Aviascia, providing consultancy in transformation and sustainable aviation and is an Environmental Consultant at NATS. She is also a Director of EmPower Flight, advancing sustainable and inclusive flight training and serves on the Board of the world’s largest air humanitarian charity.

A Chartered Mathematician and Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Rachel previously held a commercial pilot licence.

Neil Robinson, Chief Sustainability Officer, Manchester Airports Group
Neil has 25 years’ experience working in the airports sector. As Chief Sustainability Officer for Manchester Airports Group, he has leadership responsibility for all aspects of the Group’s wide-ranging Sustainability Strategy. This includes delivering net zero emissions, education, employment and skills programmes and working with local communities and their representatives. Neil also chairs the industry coalition Sustainable Aviation, which brings together airports, airlines, manufacturers and air traffic control to work in partnership to address the major sustainability challenges facing the UK aviation industry. With a background and strong personal interest in sustainability, Neil is a chemistry graduate with a post graduate degree in environmental management and an MBA from Birmingham Business School. Prior to joining Manchester Airports group Neil held senior positions with several companies including London Transport and Jaguar Cars.

Tom Denton, Head of Sustainability, Birmingham Airport

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Tom is an experienced senior manager with over 25 years of sustainability experience across the steel, automotive, consultancy and aviation sectors. Tom is currently the Head of Sustainability for Birmingham Airport leading a team responsible for developing and implementing the sustainability and net zero strategies across the business. Tom has previously worked for over 8 years as Head of Corporate Responsibility at Gatwick Airport building a sustainability team rolling out the ‘Decade of Change’ sustainability strategy and implementing key airspace change projects post Airport sale.

Alexis Hickox, Director of Growth and Ventures, NATS

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With over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, Alexis is a seasoned leader known for her expertise and strategic insights into the evolving challenges facing the sector. Alexis has held a variety of senior leadership roles, most notably during her 23 years at Collins Aerospace. There, she contributed across Global Business Development, Corporate Strategy, Business Unit Management, Product Development, and Product Marketing, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the aviation industry’s complex dynamics.

Currently, as the Head of Growth and Ventures at NATS Services, she leads the growth strategy for the commercial arm of the NATS Group. Her work focuses on forging strategic partnerships across the aviation ecosystem, advancing technology and automation initiatives to enhance airport operations, and driving sustainable innovation to meet the sector’s future demands.
In an increasingly interconnected and environmentally conscious world, Alexis is passionate about helping shape the future of aviation, ensuring that innovation drives both growth and sustainability. Her forward-thinking leadership and commitment to addressing the needs of tomorrow make her a key figure in the ongoing transformation of the aviation landscape.

Is the webinar free?
Yes – there is no charge to watch the webinar, either live or on-demand.

When will the webinar take place?
The webinar will be taking place on 22 April 2025, at 14:00 GMT, UK time. 

Can I watch the webinar later?
The webinar will be available to watch on-demand shortly after the live broadcast takes place.

What are the benefits of attending live?
During the live webinar, you will be able to pose questions to the speakers, which will then be answered during the live Q&A session at the end of the webinar.

How long will the webinar be?
The live webinar will last for up to sixty minutes

What do I need to watch this webinar?
All you need is a computer with an internet connection. It is advised to use headphones where possible for your own comfort.