Airport boosts tower team with ex-RAF controllers

Two former Royal Air Force controllers have joined Teesside International Airport’s tower team.

Matt Westmorland and Chris Plumb, who have more 40 years collective forces experience between them, have joined the Teesside team as trainee air traffic controllers after making the transition from military to civil aviation.

Teessider Chris has spent much of his RAF career overseeing Yorkshire’s skies from RAF Leeming, Topcliffe, Dishforth and Linton-on-Ouse, while Matt, who is originally from Hull, joined the RAF in 2002 and has spent time working on Anglesey, at RAF Valley, Swanwick and RAF Northolt, among other places.

Chris, 43, from Coulby Newham, had early spells in London Air Traffic Control Centre as a support controller, and also worked in Las Vegas as a squadron pops assistant and his military career also saw him take on tours in the Falklands, Oman, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Before settling into the Teesside tower recently alongside Matt, Chris worked for three years in Cyprus, signifying a long journey before coming back to the region to work at his local airport, which was originally a Second World War RAF airfield.

After more than 20 years steeped in a military environment, Chris was pleased to be spending more time in the controllers’ chair and taking on a new challenge.

He said: “It’s always been a dream to finish up and come here. I started this ball rolling about five years ago by looking into opportunities and, luckily, a position became free. I took the leap of faith, took a chance, did courses and here I am.

“It’s ideal – it’s the first time I’ve had a job on my doorstep – and it’s so nice to leave work and just be 10 minutes away.

“Most people in the Air Force would love a career outside in the Civilian world. It is a risk – you generally have to self-fund – and it’s quite a substantial amount of money. But those who’ve done it have loved it and have never looked back.

“The job is very different but there are similarities, and it makes good use of my skillset. The team is fantastic – unbelievable. They’ve got a reputation down at the college which precedes them, and everyone has been lovely.”

Matt’s past experience saw him work in distress and diversion at Swanwick, dealing with aviation emergencies across the country.

For Matt, 44, the variation offered working at Teesside was a big draw and he said he loves the rush and reward of guiding those in trouble to safety – and coping with busy air traffic.

He said: “It’s been a bit like teaching an old dog new tricks, but this is a great place to go because you’ve got such a mixed bag of civil aviation – and with Draken here, my military experience does help.

“There’s no better buzz than when you’re really busy, have been on for two hours solid, and you go on a break, sit down, have a coffee and feel that adrenaline rush.

“I don’t think I could do anything else – and I don’t think I ever will.”

“I came on a visit a couple of times, and everyone was amazing. It’s a great area – and I’m back up North which is better than being in London. 

“It’s the team, the varied traffic and how varied and complex it can be.”

Teesside airport’s air traffic team has grown in the past year in line with the arrival of more freight flights from Fed Ex, and Airbourne Colours beginning operations of its aircraft painting facility.

The airport also provides services with KLM, Ryanair and Eastern and TUI operates twice weekly flights to Majorca and Turkey.

Phil Forster, Teesside airport’s managing director added: “It’s great to see trainees with the pedigree of Matt and Chris joining our growing Air Traffic team. The team is the nerve centre of our airport and we’re proud of the reputation they hold nationally.

“I wish Matt and Chris all the best of the next phase of their careers with us. It’s a pleasure to have them.”

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