Former Airbus UK A380 chief engineer takes seat on Advisory Board

Friday, March 1, 2024

Following the triumphant inaugural flight of 9H-GLOBL from the Mojave Air and Space Port, Global Airlines bolsters its A380 operational and maintenance proficiency by appointing John Roberts to its Advisory Board.

With over four decades in aviation, Roberts has held pivotal roles at Dowty Fuel Systems, Messier-Dowty, and notably, Airbus, where he dedicated the majority of his career. Renowned for his leadership in the operational introduction of the A380, Roberts served as a crucial customer interface for airlines during the aircraft’s early in-service challenges.

Commenting on his appointment, Roberts said, “The A380 is the most distinctive aircraft in the sky, and I’m proud to have played a small part in its success since it entered into commercial operation in 2005.

It is still a modern, latest technology aircraft, with two more decades of full-time usage in front of it.

It is great to be joining the project following the landmark first flight and I share Global’s belief in the aircrafts ongoing potential. I look forward to working with the team, and the wider A380 community, as we plan for the future.”

Kevin Billings OBE, Chair of the Advisory Board added, “We are purposefully and intentionally building a pool of aviation experts to our Advisory Board, and it is phenomenal that not only someone of John’s calibre is joining, but someone who knows the A380 so intimately.

John’s experience, insight and contacts will be invaluable to Global as it enters a period of rapid development following our recent first flight. Getting an A380 back in the sky is a monumental achievement and few people will ever realise just how challenging and complex this is to achieve.”

Roberts becomes the latest addition to an expanding Advisory Board lineup, featuring prominent figures such as Kevin Billings OBE (Chair), Captain Ian Black, Margaret Dabbs OBE, Pierre Madrange, Claire Harbard, and Bill McPherson.

A graduate of Brunel University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Roberts is distinguished as a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a chartered engineer.”Following the triumphant inaugural flight of 9H-GLOBL from the Mojave Air and Space Port, Global Airlines bolsters its A380 operational and maintenance proficiency by appointing John Roberts to its Advisory Board.”

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