Members

Richard E Gooding OBE
Chief Executive, London City Airport

Joined British European Airways as a General Apprentice in 1966: worked in overseas sales, passenger and ramp handling, and overseas area management. Left in 1981 to join Manchester Airport initially to run ramp handling and the passenger terminal, and subsequently as Operations Director.

Appointed as Ogden Allied’s Managing Director and first UK staff member in 1985 to develop a new European ground handling business.

In 1991, appointed Chief Executive of London Luton Airport with a remit to restore profitability and growth, culminating in the re-launch of the airport as the centre of low cost scheduled, charter and corporate aircraft services in the London area.

In 1996, appointed by the new owner of London City Airport to manage and develop this special, niche, top end of the market operation. Since then the airport has more than trebled in size, as well as achieving profitability, and expanded into aircraft management and operation.

The airport was sold again in 2006 and its current owners (AIG and GIP) are working closely with Richard and the management team to further develop and maximise the value of the airport.

Richard is past Chairman and current Council Member of the Airport Operators Association, President of the Newham Chamber of Commerce, and a Council Member of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is also involved in the voluntary sector as Chair of Newham Homes, a Non Executive Director of the Royal Docks Trust, Leaside Regeneration, Newham University Healthcare NHS, a Main Board Member of East London Business Alliance and a Board Member of the London Skills and Employment Council.