Airport boss shortlisted for prestigious global aviation award
A leader who has overseen rising passenger numbers and a raft of new developments at Teesside Airport has been shortlisted for a top global award.
Managing Director Phil Forster has reached the final shortlist of the 2024 Airport Leader for the Future Award at The Airport Honour Awards.
Run by the International Airport Review, the awards celebrate those who have stood out for their dedication to excellence, innovation, and responsible development.
The 37-year-old joined Teesside in 2019 as Commercial Director before becoming MD in 2020.
He has overseen the return and arrival of new holiday flights to Teesside, as well as a multi-million-pound terminal renovation, the airport gaining customs zone status within the Teesside Freeport, a new cargo facility, and the expansion of Teesside Airport Business Park.
He has also been at the helm as Teesside works to become the UK’s first operational Net Zero airport by 2030.
Mr Forster said: “It’s an honour to be nominated for this award and it’s a testament to the hard work our airport team puts in day and night.
“We know there’s plenty to do to continue to turn Teesside around and push it further into profit but with the team, the talent and tenacity we have, I know we have what it takes to go even further.”
Teesside Airport has had a highly successful 2024 after winning UK and Irish Airport of the Year at the TTG Travel Industry Awards in 2023.
This year has marked the return of TUI flights to Dalaman, the airport’s best summer passenger figures for 15 years, and a new five-year deal with FedEx for an airfreight handling facility to meet growing demand – with eight additional inbound and outbound flights a week.
October also saw Teesside welcome aircraft painting firm Airbourne Colours to a new facility built this year.
And 2024 has marked the first year in more than a decade where the airport has returned a profit.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Phil has been a big part of what we have achieved so far at our airport. His drive and dedication have been pivotal in turning around our fortunes.
“There’s plenty still to do, as we look to secure more flights, more routes, more businesses and more investors to our airport for the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
Winners will be announced on 13 November with awards presented during The Airport Honour awards evening on the first night of the International Airport Summit in Amsterdam.