Gary Barthram joins Serco’s aviation emergency services team
To oversee Middle East operations
Serco has announced the appointment of Gary Barthram as the company’s new Area Manager for Aviation Emergency Services in the Middle East region.
Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Barthram, who has an extensive background in airport fire services, serves as Serco’s principal expert on aviation emergency services in the region.
He will develop policies, conduct audits, and collaborate with regional clients to enhance airport emergency services.
Recognising the unique challenges of the Middle East aviation sector, Barthram is committed to leveraging his expertise to foster solid relationships and implement best practices.
His primary objectives will be to empower the industry with his extensive knowledge, align with Serco’s values, and support clients in building, transforming, and delivering safe and effective services.
Barthram’s career began at London City Airport as a firefighter, followed by positions at Stansted Airport with the British Airports Authority.
He then advanced to London Heathrow, where he held various roles in operational watch management before becoming a senior manager.
For the past decade, Barthram has led Heathrow’s fire service as Chief Fire Officer, managing the UK’s largest airport fire service, which handles approximately 82 million passengers and 1,400 air traffic movements daily.
Additionally, Barthram participates in international rescue and firefighting service working groups for ICAO, NFPA, and ACI World.
In a statement about his new role, Bartram said: “Serco’s renowned reputation for delivering outstanding service was a significant factor in my decision to join. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with diverse clients across the Middle East and apply my expertise in this dynamic field.”
Teren Tan, Head of Emergency Services at Serco in the Middle East, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Gary Barthram to our team. His extensive experience and leadership in aviation emergency services will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our service offerings.
“With the Middle East’s ambitious plans to advance its aviation sector, Gary’s arrival is pivotal.”
Barthram will report directly to Tan as he steps into his new role.
UK’s first specialised EV fire course
Meanwhile, the UK has unveiled its first specialised Electric Vehicle (EV) fire course, designed to equip emergency responders with essential skills and safety knowledge for handling EV-related fires.
Developed at the International Fire Training Centre, Serco manages and operates this innovative programme, which promises practical, hands-on training.
The course features an advanced ‘EV fire simulator’ that accurately replicates electric vehicle fires, including thermal runaway scenarios. This simulator, engineered to offer a range of realistic scenarios, allows for comprehensive and repeatable training in EV fire containment and suppression techniques.
Participants will receive detailed instructions on fire suppression methods, such as applying vehicle fire blankets and cooling the undercarriage. Additionally, non-fire first responders will be trained to apply vehicle fire blankets as a precautionary measure and safely isolate vehicles suspected of having faults.
They will also have the opportunity to observe live fire exercises, giving them firsthand experience of the conditions and challenges associated with EV fires.
Featured image: Gary Barthram has led Heathrow’s fire service as Chief Fire Officer. Credit: Gary Barthram/LinkedIn
