Aviation ambassador flies regional flag

A Darlington engineer has been named among a select group of professionals tasked with inspiring the next generation to explore careers in aviation and emerging technologies.

Marcus Sellars has been appointed as one of ten aviation ambassadors by the Department for Transport, with the role beginning later this month. 

The ambassadors programme brings together aviation professionals to promote jobs, skills and training through school visits, workshops, events and digital platforms as part of the wider Generation Aviation initiative.

Aged 22, Marcus works for the Tees Valley Combined Authority and will act as the group’s regional lead for automation in aviation, drawing on his involvement in an autonomous vehicles trial at Teesside Airport.

A graduate of Newcastle University, Marcus completed a Masters in Transport Engineering with distinction before joining the Combined Authority through an internship and later securing a full-time role in its digital transport team.

He said: “It’s a great honour to have been chosen in this role – and I’m really keen to represent our area, show some of the exciting work we’ve been doing around automation and transport at Teesside Airport and, hopefully, inspire more young people to take on a career in aviation.

“It was nice and a pleasant surprise. 

“I understand the role was highly competitive, with many people applying for it.”

Alongside outreach activity, Marcus is also keen to support plans for a dedicated aviation academy to inspire future talent.

He added: “I’m quite young so my pitch to them (the Department of Transport) was I’m still in contact with universities and younger people – and I want to upskill people for jobs.

“There could definitely be a skills hub and cluster here to link all the different businesses and how they’re expanding.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “It’s brilliant to have one of our own talents leading the charge in the aviation industry.

“We’re proud to be leading the way in autonomous transport at our airport and we want it to play a big role in making our transport network better.

“It’s great to see Marcus taking on this role – he’s yet another great example of the wealth of talent we have on our doorstep.

“I wish him well over the next two years and I’m looking forward to hearing more about the work he’s doing in his new role very soon.”

Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside International Airport, added: “Marcus has been a great addition and his work on the testbed project has been top drawer.

“We’re proud to have him representing our region – and I’m sure he’ll do a wonderful job promoting both our airport and the wider aviation industry for young people to launch their careers.”

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