Honor Puciato is an expert in sustainability and environmental protection and is passionate about working with airports and aviation organisations to assist them in overcoming their environmental challenges.

With over 15 years of industry experience, and having recently been appointed as one of the DfT’s Aviation Ambassadors, she is now also taking on a role to raise industry visibility and encourage young people to embark on an aviation career.

As I reflect on my journey in the aviation industry, I am honoured to have been appointed as an Aviation Ambassador by the Department for Transport (DfT) under the Generation Aviation programme.

This role signifies not only a recognition of my professional experience but also a profound opportunity to inspire and guide the next generation of aviation professionals.

Career background and a passion for shaping a more environmentally conscious aviation sector

My career in environmental sectors started 16 years ago, with a focus on tackling air quality problems and improving the lives of local communities.

My story with the aviation sector began five years ago when I joined Heathrow Airport Ltd as an environmental manager and later assumed the role of air quality strategy lead. This journey exposed me to the challenges the aviation sector is facing, but it also revealed to me that every challenge presents an opportunity for improvement, especially when approached with determination, innovation, and forward thinking.

In 2021, I was excited to join the engineering and environmental consultancy Ricardo, where my contributions extended to multiple UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and Highlands and Islands Airports. I enjoy being part of the Ricardo team as we provide a wealth of expertise and technical knowledge to improve the sustainability of the aviation industry from managing emissions at airports to helping aircraft and ground vehicle manufacturers transition to hydrogen or electrification.

Our aviation consulting services support a wealth of programmes from aerospace design and engineering to niche volume manufacture, improving water management and air quality, and I love that about working here.

Ricardo provides me with an ideal platform to continue my work addressing environmental challenges within the aviation industry, further fuelling my commitment to shaping a more sustainable and environmentally conscious aviation sector.

My decision to join an airport as an environmentalist was driven by a passion for challenge and a realisation that if I wanted to make a tangible impact on the environmental footprint, I needed to focus my efforts on working with challenging industries. Aviation offered me this opportunity.

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A challenging but dynamic sector

The aviation sector stands as one of the most challenging frontiers in decarbonisation and environmental sustainability. Yet, it is also among the most dynamic and swiftly evolving domains in this endeavour.

Aviation thrives on change, actively collaborates with governments to forge new policies, and embraces innovation. This makes aviation an incredibly rewarding field for anyone passionate about sustainability and safeguarding our environment.

Encouraging young people to pursue careers in aviation

Young people are increasingly conscious of the detrimental effects of flying on our planet and hold sustainable development in high regard. This awareness has the potential to sway career choices, with some young individuals hesitant to enter an industry often associated with environmental harm.

However, lasting change in aviation, as in any industry, hinges on the participation of young, impassioned individuals.

Through my involvement in the Aviation Ambassador programme, I aspire to illuminate the aviation industry’s possibilities for young minds. I wish for them to realise that by joining this sector, they become catalysts for change, integral to a monumental movement. The unwavering dedication and contributions can genuinely shape not only the future of aviation but also the destiny of our planet.

As an Aviation Ambassador, I embrace a transformative role aimed at inspiring, guiding, and nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals. Over the next two years, I will serve as a mentor and advocate, visiting schools, attending mentoring events, and delivering bespoke outreach activities to underrepresented groups.

Through these initiatives, I aim to demystify the aviation industry and encourage young people to pursue careers in aviation, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

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My journey into aviation was shaped by my own experiences as a female born in Poland, navigating a path to success through determination and skill.

My diverse background aligns perfectly with my mission to raise industry visibility, deliver outreach, and improve career pathways for individuals from all walks of life.

Through my involvement in the Aviation Ambassador programme, I seek to empower young individuals to realise their potential and become catalysts for change within the aviation sector.

As I embark on this new chapter, I am filled with hope and optimism for the future of aviation.

Together, we can cultivate a new generation of aviation professionals who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also passionate about shaping a more sustainable and inclusive industry.

If you would like to get in touch to speak about current challenges within the aviation industry, please find me on LinkedIn or simply contact me by email. It will be great to connect.

DID YOU KNOW…

Aviation Business News (ABN) is highlighting the staffing crisis in aviation this year with our Best Places To Work In Aviation awards which will celebrate those companies that are successfully driving new talent into the sector and retaining valuable skilled staff.

The deadline for firms to enter is April 5. Click here to register.