Isle of Man Guide

Ann Reynolds has been appointed the new Director at Isle of Man Airport, taking over the reins from Philip Pain who is retiring after 18 years at the helm.

Although she officially takes up the post on April 30th when Mr Pain steps down, Mrs Reynolds will be Airport Director designate from January 1st and they will work together to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

Mrs Reynolds, 41, joined Isle of Man Airport in November 2005 on a short-term contract as Operations Manager. In March, she was appointed Airports Projects Manager, again on a temporary basis.

‘It’s a very exciting time to become Airport Director because there are so many ongoing issues and projects being developed,’ explained Mrs Reynolds, who lives in Colby.

‘There is the Runway End Safety Area/Runway refurbishment project, which we have to make sure comes in on time and within budget, while ensuring the highest levels of quality and safety. Then we have the Apron extension, the extension to the Departure Lounge and looking into the feasibility of the Control Tower replacement.

‘Another issue to be overseen is the proposed acquisition of BA Connect by Flybe, so there are many important projects and issues to deal with from the start.’

Department of Transport Chief Executive Ian Thompson said:

‘We are delighted to have selected someone of Ann’s experience and professionalism and believe that she is the right person to lead Isle of Man Airport as it enters what should be an exciting and challenging period.’

Born in Portsmouth, Mrs Reynolds began her aviation career with the British Airports Authority in 1984, working in Air Traffic Control in Southampton. She was appointed Airport Duty Manager in 1987, moving on to Station Manager and then Senior Airport Duty Manager. Between 1990 and 1998 she was Customer Services Manager at Southampton, before leaving BAA to join Sheffield City Airport as Deputy Airport Director.

In 2001, Mrs Reynolds was appointed Group Manager for PlaneStation Plc, taking responsibility for five non-UK airports, and later as managing director of two airports in Germany, where she was based in the Black Forest.

She explained:

‘I came to the Island in November 2005 for four months as temporary Operations Manager, while they recruited someone to the post, and since March I have been Airports Projects Manager.

‘I had just come back from Germany after four years and I was looking to get back within the UK network. I never imagined at that stage that I would be asked to continue as Airports Projects Manager for another six months, and it was during that time that the Director’s post was advertised.

‘I do not underestimate the legacy that my predecessor leaves behind after 18 years. Isle of Man Airport has done remarkably well in that time and I’m looking forward to taking it into the next era. The airport is a key division of the Department of Transport and I look forward to taking my part in the development of the Department in the future.

‘I’ve always considered safety and security, along with customer service and efficiency, to be the most important facets of the aviation industry and I believe the team we have at Ronaldsway is more than capable of delivering the level of service and efficiency expected by today’s traveller.’

Having spent many years living on or around Hayling Island, which lies a few miles east of Portsmouth, Mrs Reynolds believes she has developed a good understanding of ‘island life’.

‘I absolutely love the Isle of Man and have lived by the sea for most of my life,’ she explained. ‘The Island has quite spectacular scenery and fascinating history – and I’ve not had the chance to really experience either yet!’

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