Robin Thomas CMILT

In 1986, I was working for British Airways in Flight Operations Technical, having just completed Three Years of Courses at Slough College during which I received a NEBSS Certificate, Diploma and a Certificate in Management Studies.

I was called to an interview with my Manager who was a Member of the Chartered Institute of Transport and felt I was ready for this next step in my career. This would involve 3 years of study on a Day Release Part Time basis comprising of 9 Exams, which he felt would give me a good understanding of Transport and how it related to the Economics of the Country and also of the Airline Business.

I immediately agreed and on the 20th November 1990, I was elected a Chartered Member of the Institute of Transport.

Shortly afterwards, I was able to use my knowledge gained to facilitate a successful outsourcing of part of the business and my qualifications were a factor in my promotion to Duty Manager in Ground Transport Services and later as a Tactical Planner for Ground Operations at British Airways.

In the mid 1990's I joined the London Region as I wanted to give something back to what we now know as the CILT and since then have become a Member of the Aviation Policy Group, Strategic Rail Policy Group, Public Policies Committee and The Membership Representatives Group.

Membership of the Institute has enabled me to interact with other professionals, thereby extending and broadening my knowledge of Transport & Logistics. It has also given me many varied networking opportunities.

I have also found it to be extremely useful in my role as an Elected Civil Parish Councillor, where I can use my expertise when dealing with Transport and Logistics Issues.