Nicola Blackborrow
Camera IconNicola Blackborrow Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Perth Airport operations manager soars on International Women’s Day

Belinda CiprianoEastern Reporter

FOR Perth Airport operations manager Nicola Blackborrow, International Women’s Day is a time to recognise the challenges and achievements of women, while acknowledging their struggles and triumphs around the world.

Mrs Blackborrow has worked at the airport since 1996 and her role centres on the overall smooth running of the airport’s estate and operations.

She is one in a team of five shift managers with responsibility for the airport 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

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Duty managers at the airport’s four terminals and staff working in the all-important control centre are under the authority of the operations manager.

Mrs Blackborrow has been in the role since 2011.“We also work closely with colleagues in our airfield team for a safe and secure operation airside,” she said.

Describing the aviation industry as an exciting one to work in, Mrs Blackborrow’s said that while once a male-dominated one she believed things had changed.

“When I initially joined Perth Airport, I was still in my teenage years and it was a very different working environment as a male-dominated industry,” she said.

“Over the years, and across its many different facets, the industry as a whole has grown and changed to embrace women in all areas of aviation.

“Today women are employed across a variety of areas and roles, ranging from ground staff operating airside equipment to pilots, airport safety officers and other key operational roles including those at senior levels.”

Mrs Blackborrow said International Women’s Day was a day to acknowledge women from all walks of life.

“The celebration of achievements of women, as individuals and collectively, is crucial in keeping the momentum for continuous improvement, moving forward and providing ongoing inspiration to women of all ages all over the world,” she said.

“I have great admiration and respect for Professor Fiona Wood who pioneered spray-on skin.

“Her expertise was key in the treatment of burns victims after the 2002 Bali bombings and she was recognised for this work.

“It is great to see such achievements, made locally, are having a critical impact globally, benefiting burns patients and their families around the world.

“Professor Wood is also a mother of six children; she is a truly amazing and inspirational woman, with fantastic dedication to both her family and her work.”

Mrs Blackborrow will celebrate International Women’s Day with colleagues at a morning tea and with her mother and sister who she described as inspiring.

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