Newcastle Airport has recruited its first female firefighters, marking a historic moment for its Rescue and Firefighting Service.
Amy Ramsey, Alix Peoples and Lily Jackson have joined the service alongside fellow new recruits Kevin Morland and Josh Evans.
Based at the Airport’s fire station next to the runway, they are now part of a highly skilled and experienced team of more than 40 firefighters who provide 24/7 emergency response cover, helping to keep passengers and Airport operations safe.
The team is trained to deal with a wide range of emergencies, including aircraft incidents, fires and medical emergencies, and carry out regular training exercises and equipment checks to ensure they are ready to respond at all times.
Amy, Alix and Lily have made history by becoming the first female firefighters to serve in the Airport’s fire service since it was established.
Lily said: “I always wanted to be a firefighter growing up, so becoming one of the first female firefighters at Newcastle Airport makes this role even more special.
“It’s an exciting career where no two days are the same, and I’m proud to be part of a team that helps keep everyone who travels through and works at the Airport safe.”
Alix added: “Joining the Airport’s Rescue and Firefighting Service is a fantastic opportunity and I’m excited to be part of such a skilled and supportive team where I can continue to learn and develop my skills.
“I hope our appointments encourage more women to consider careers in the fire service and show that there are no limits to what they can achieve.”
Paul Farmer, Director of Operations at Newcastle Airport, said: “This is a proud moment for Newcastle Airport and an important milestone for our Rescue and Firefighting Service.
“We are delighted to welcome Amy, Alix and Lily as the first female firefighters in our history, alongside Kevin and Josh, who are all fantastic additions to the team.
“Their appointments reflect our commitment to attracting talented people from all backgrounds and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and build rewarding and fulfilling careers.”
The expansion of the team comes as the Airport is set for its busiest summer on record following significant investment from its airline partners.
easyJet's new base at the Airport will see the airline operate flights to 22 destinations across Europe and North Africa this summer, including Lisbon and Nice, while Jet2 has launched new routes to Porto in Portugal, Preveza in Greece and Palermo in Sicily.
Ryanair has also expanded its network, introducing new services to Budapest, Malta and Marrakesh, while increasing capacity to seven existing destinations, including Barcelona, Faro, Krakow and Milan, and Eurowings relaunched flights to Berlin.
To support this growth, the Airport is investing almost £60 million over two years to enhance its facilities, including a new three-storey terminal extension that will create a larger departure lounge and an expanded international baggage arrivals area to deliver a more seamless experience for passengers.