Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Heathrow appoints Derek Provan as Interim COO

Aerospace

Heathrow appoints Derek Provan as Interim COO

After six years at Heathrow, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Normand Boivin has chosen to leave the business for personal reasons.

Since joining Heathrow in 2011, Boivin (above) has led step changes in the way the airport operates and transformed the resilience of its operation. Before he joined Heathrow as COO, Boivin was on the panel which recommended the opening of a central operations centre to improve the airport’s resilience and since joining Heathrow, has made that a reality. The operations centre’s collaborative approach to the management of the airport combined with Boivin’s focus on passenger satisfaction has played a significant part in Heathrow’s position as one of the world’s top 10 airports.

While the Board commences the process to select a new COO, Derek Provan (right) will step into the role of Interim Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.

Advertisement
ODU RT

With 20 years of experience in aviation, Derek joined Heathrow from Aberdeen Airport where he was Managing Director.

He has held various senior operational roles, most latterly as Director, Future Heathrow.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Airbus

Aerospace

Airbus' A350-1000ULR completes first test flight

2 June 2026

The world's longest-range aircraft, the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) and the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas, has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France.

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

Aerospace

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

2 June 2026

A pioneering drone seed-spreading trial has taken to the skies above the Peak District, as the 'LIFE in the Ravines' project led by Natural England explores innovative new ways to restore precious ravine woodlands devastated by ash dieback disease.

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

Aerospace

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

2 June 2026

Portadown based precision engineering firm SAM NI has completed a £10 million expansion of its manufacturing facility marking a major milestone in the company’s growth as a manufacturer of high-precision aerospace components and assemblies.

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

Aerospace Defence Security

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

1 June 2026

Omnisense, which specialises in terrestrial positioning technology, has partnered with 42 Technology (42T) to demonstrate a safer autonomous drone landing system when satellite navigation signals are unreliable.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

Aerospace Events

Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

1 June 2026

Craigavon based Thompson Aero Seating (TAS) will today be showcasing its customised VantageXL seat for Discover Airlines’ A330s for the very first time at the Red Cabin / Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit Europe, being held 1st-3rd June at Lufthansa Seeheim, Germany.

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

Aerospace

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

29 May 2026

ZeroAvia today announced that founder and Chief Executive Officer Val Miftakhov has stepped down as CEO, effective 26th May 2026, to pursue new opportunities.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB