Aviramp makes key appointment to strengthen Australian presence
Telford-based aircraft boarding ramp manufacturer Aviramp has strengthened its presence in the Asia–Pacific region with a key appointment.
Derrick Ogden has joined the UK-based company as principal consultant for the Australian market.
Derrick has spent more than four decades working in Australian aviation, leading on safety, compliance and operations at some of the country’s largest carriers, including Qantas and Jetstar.
He has worked closely with Aviramp since the commissioning of the first Continental ramp in Melbourne and was also involved with major rollouts at Gold Coast and Hobart airports.
Aviramp chief executive Graham Corfield said he was delighted with the appointment.
“Derrick brings a wealth of experience to the role and will help us take our presence in Australia and the wider region to the next level.
“His operational insight, his relationships across the industry and his genuine understanding of our equipment make him the ideal person to represent Aviramp in the region. We’re delighted to have him on board.”
Derrick says the move to Aviramp felt like a natural next step after concluding a 22-year career with Qantas Group.
“I’ve worked with Aviramp for many years and have seen first-hand how their equipment improves safety, accessibility and efficiency on the apron. I have a strong passion for the aviation industry and the opportunity to work with Graham and the team just made sense.
“I’ve built long-standing relationships with airport authorities, ground service providers and airlines across the region and I’m looking forward to supporting them in this new capacity.”
Derrick will work closely with airports, airlines and ground handlers to support the adoption of Aviramp’s boarding ramps – equipment designed to improve safety, reduce manual handling risks and deliver a dignified, step-free boarding experience for all passengers.
Aviramp, which is based in Telford, was named in the most recent Sunday Times 100 – the prestigious ranking of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies – and is a current holder of the Queen’s Award for International Trade.
Aviramp boarding ramps and bridges are used when an aircraft is parked on a remote stand and offer a safe, dignified alternative to stairs and separate ambulifts for wheelchair users and those passengers with reduced mobility.
