Airport MD inspires the next generation of aviation professionals

Clare James MBE, Managing Director of East Midlands Airport, visited IASTI Newark to engage with learners and share her wealth of experience within the industry. 

Clare James has enjoyed a distinguished career in aviation, having previously worked for the Royal Air Force (RAF), Serco and NATS before joining East Midlands Airport (EMA) as Managing Director in July 2020.  

She inspired the students at the UK’s first International Air and Space Training Institute (IASTI) in Newark by sharing her career highlights, responsibilities, and her future plans for EMA. Some of the students even had ideas of their own to share with her. 

Pilot pathway student, Lewis Chesman said: “It was a really good, interactive talk. She answered all of our questions and made us laugh and she’s filled me with confidence that we can go on and do well in this industry.” 

The learners enjoyed hearing stories from her early years as an Air Traffic Controller, and how she once planned a star-studded concert for Children in Need in conjunction with the RAF and the BBC. Following this she was awarded an MBE for services to the RAF. 

As a young woman with similar aspirations, student Emily Evans found the talk particularly insightful. She said: “Clare definitely inspired all the females in our class, with the belief that we can have a great future in aviation.”  

Clare James said: “It has been a privilege to visit IASTI Newark and to meet its first cohort of students. I was impressed with their energy and engagement and can see they are enthusiastic and passionate about aviation. 

The IASTI provides an incredible steppingstone to a career within this industry. I hope my visit has given them further insight into the possibilities awaiting them and I'm certain they are incentivized to make the most of the unique opportunities that the IASTI will bring.” 

 EMA is a key industry supporter of IASTI Newark, along with the RAF, Inzpire, AAR, Leonardo, Eagle Eye Innovations, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and the National Space Centre. The IASTI is one of nine priority projects developed by Newark Towns Fund Board and is funded through the Government’s Towns Fund initiative. 

 To be part of the next cohort of students starting at IASTI Newark in September, join the next Open Day on Wednesday 23rd February at Newark College. Find out more and book your place click here.