One of the most prestigious global players in the aviation industry which counts the RAF and the air forces of America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand amongst its clients has just celebrated its 75th anniversary – and it’s based at Stansted Airport.
Kearsley Airways is the oldest company still in business at the airport, has employed thousands of local people and, from humble beginnings, has grown into a hugely successful and respected £10m turnover business.
The leading independent company in the aerospace component repair sector celebrated its big birthday at Imperial War Museum Duxford on June 25 where 140 guests – staff, customers, suppliers and previous employees – enjoyed dinner under the wing of Concorde. The guests, some of whom had travelled from the likes of America, Denmark and Poland to attend, were also treated to a flying display by a Boeing B17.
“Our success is a testament to our employees, the quality of their work and the performance we give to customers in terms of turnaround times,” said managing director Martin Bowman.
“All the employees over the last 75 years have had their input in the business. We all play an important role.”
Mal Fenton, HR manager, added: “We really are a close family here. We know each other very well, get on very well and step up when there’s an urgency. We have a very reliable workforce who are dedicated to the cause.”
Kearsley Airways was established during the post-war years by Major and Florence Kearsley, starting life as a charter operator in 1947.
Taking delivery of their first Dakota aircraft to fly urgent medical supplies to India, the venture soon grew to include a fleet of three Dakotas and a Percival Proctor. After continuing the charter business and being instrumental in the Berlin Airlift, the aircraft were eventually sold in the early 1950s and the company focused on providing engineering services.
Originally sited where the long-stay car park now exists at the airport, Kearsley Airways, which is still privately owned, moved to its present location at Romeera House in Takeley in 1984. Everything is done on site in the 44,000 sq ft premises.
Under the guidance of current owner Meera Mehta, the company continues to support aircraft operators around the world thanks to its hard-earned reputation for quality aviation engineering services.
A major part of its work is carried out on the C130 Hercules, with American-based Lockheed Martin being its biggest client. A strong relationship with the RAF and Marshall Aerospace was forged in 1966 when the former took delivery of its first C130 Hercules.
The aircraft remains to this day the workhorse of the majority of air forces worldwide, with parts being shipped from all corners of the globe to Romeera House for repair and overhaul.
Not only is the firm one of very few Lockheed Martin C130 licensed repair centres in the world, it also covers Boeing and many business aircraft types.
A key part of the business’ success is the experience of its dedicated and highly skilled staff. Currently employing 64 people, its longest-serving employee has been with them since 1961, while last year Richard Yeoman, who progressed from an engineer on the shop floor to production controller, retired having also joined in 1961 aged 15.
There are also numerous employees who have given 40-plus years service, while the business also has links with Stansted Airport College and Harlow College to recruit apprentices.
Anyone keen to forge a career in engineering can experience on-the-job training, getting to learn from the masters of their trade who have made Kearsley Airways a global success.
“The transfer of information is essential,” said Martin Bowman. “The training these highly experienced individuals can give the youngsters is invaluable.”
