Airport boss to discuss economic challenges

Paul Kehoe, Chief Executive of Birmingham International Airport, will also discuss plans to expand Birmingham airport to help meet competition from other UK airports and adapting to changes from a new government at the Crystal Lecture 2010.

The 17th annual Crystal Lecture will be hosted by the University of Wolverhampton Business School and the Chartered Management Institute on Tuesday, 19 October 2010.

The free lecture is aimed at business people and will take place at the University’s Telford Campus in Priorslee from 6pm.

Professor Kit Field, Acting Dean of the University of Wolverhampton Business School, said: “Birmingham International Airport is an essential asset for the Midlands, attracting travel and business to the region. We are delighted to welcome Paul Kehoe to give this year’s Crystal Lecture, and he will discuss the management challenges for his team in running and building an airport business.

“The lecture, titled High hopes in hard times, will look at challenges such as attracting and retaining contracts for airlines to fly to and from the airport in an economic downturn and building a business with a range of markets to satisfy, including short haul, budget, long haul and freight. Paul will also look at the global challenges faced by the aviation industry, such as the impact of the recession and the volcanic ash cloud earlier this year.”

Gerwyn Jones, Wolverhampton branch chair of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), said: “The Crystal Lecture always hosts a business speaker who is both entertaining and engaging. We are pleased that Paul Kehoe agreed to speak for us this year. He brings with him a wealth of experience within the aviation industry and his insight into the recent challenges which airports and airlines have had to face.”

Paul Kehoe joined Birmingham International Airport in October 2008, and prior to that he was Chief Executive at Bristol International Airport.

Previous speakers at the Crystal Lecture include Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, and star of The Apprentice, Ruth Badger.

The event on Tuesday, 19 October 2010 starts at 6pm and is free, although places are limited. To book a place contact Marie Porello on 01902 323874 or email m.porello@wlv.ac.uk 

ENDS

Picture: Paul Kehoe

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