Cranfield appoints Rob Abbott as Director of Aviation Operations
Rob (above) will be responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of Cranfield Airport and the University’s National Flying Laboratory Centre.
Last year, it was announced that SAAB would be supplying a digital control tower to Cranfield. The forthcoming introduction of the tower will make Cranfield one of the first airports in the UK to possess the cutting-edge technology.
As Director of Aviation Operations, Rob will oversee the installation of the new digital control tower as well significant upgrades to Cranfield Airport’s infrastructure and capabilities.
Rob joins Cranfield having previously been a consultant to the University. In previous roles, Rob was Aviation Director (Commercial) at Aviellant Ltd and has previously worked for both Serco (UK and Europe) and the RAF.
Commenting on his recent appointment, Rob Abbott, Director of Aviation Operations, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Cranfield at such an exciting time for both the airport and the University. The ability of Cranfield to combine research opportunities with practical application at a fully operational airport makes this a special organisation to work for.
“We will see significant improvements to the airport’s capabilities over the next few years, with the installation of the digital control tower and the introduction of radar to the airport.”
Ian Sibbald, Director of Finance at Cranfield University, said: “I’m delighted that Rob has joined us, his experience and innovative-thinking will be crucial as we make significant step-changes to the Airport’s infrastructure and capabilities.”
