George Best Belfast City Airport (GBBCA) is a regional airport situated within the ‘heart of the city’ and catered for approximately 2.7 million passengers in 2015.
Background
As an airport operating close to residential areas, GBBCA has always been mindful of its impact on the local community and environment, and its responsibility to be a good neighbour.
What GBBCA did
GBBCA makes a strong commitment to Corporate Responsibility (CR) placing it at the heart of its core business strategy through its CR policy which sets out clear commitments to make a positive impact in the community in which it operates, to protect the environment, and to position the airport as a key contributor to economic and social development in the region.
GBBCA implemented a multifaceted educational programme geared towards engaging with children across Belfast and North Down to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the working world by offering meaningful work experience in a challenging and dynamic environment. Aware of the issue of youth unemployment in its local community, the airport launched its High Flyers Apprenticeship Scheme in 2013 to offer 16-24 year olds the opportunity to gain work experience and develop skills in a range of disciplines while studying for a NVQ qualification.
The growing concern over mental health in society is also being tackled by GCCBA, with recent projects addressing this issue. The airport supported East Belfast Community Development Agency to produce a booklet highlighting the importance of mental health in the workplace. It was worked with Cinemagic and young people to produce two short films on mental health. It will be launching its first Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan in 2016.