Cardiff Airport has entered into a new partnership with Aerobility, the UK’s disabled flying charity that provides a range of life-changing flying activities lessons for disabled people; training for disabled pilots seeking to gain qualifications as well as flying days for disabled aviators.

The partnership means that any pilots flying with the Aerobility scheme will be welcome to depart and land at Cardiff Airport with zero fees, and ground handling support is on hand for pilots and their aircraft.

Access to the airfield at Cardiff Airport also gives pilots the opportunity to experience longer trips from Aerobility’s base at Blackbushe Airport and enjoy the Welsh landscape while gaining more flying hours. It also means that, through the support of the team at Aeros Limited, Cardiff’s leading flight training academy, Aerobility fliers will be welcomed into their pilot’s lounge when they land at Cardiff Airport.

Pilot Neil Tucker, originally from Port Talbot, flew into Cardiff recently with Aerobility’s Chief Flying Instructor and co-pilot Mike Owen, on board a specially adapted Piper Warrior – it was Neil’s first time back at Cardiff Airport since he first began training back in 1985.

Mike Owen, Chief Flying Instructor Aerobility, said:

“Cardiff is unique to us, it will mean our students can gain experience of flying in and out of an International Airport, with complex approaches and controlled airspace. Once they realise how helpful the whole team are at Cardiff, and how well executed it is, it will be a real confidence booster”

Pilot Neil Tucker said:

“As expected, a true ‘Welcome in the Vales’; to be back at the spot where it all started for me almost 35 years ago was wonderful. Combining this with my enthusiasm for what Cardiff-Wales will mean for disabled pilots like me and you can understand why I’m really excited for our future”

Spencer Birns, Chief Commercial Officer at Cardiff Airport added:

“It’s a joy to welcome Neil and Mike, who represent a charity that provides such wonderful experiences and memories for people with disabilities or, in some cases, are terminally ill.

“We’re delighted to offer a complimentary service to pilots seeking to gain more experience and enjoy the lovely views over Wales. We hope to be able to arrange more activities with the charity in the future and look forward to extending a warm, Welsh welcome to pilots as they arrive into Cardiff from Aerobility’s locations across the UK.”