Michael Stewart
Mike brings much sought-after aviation and aerospace engineering knowledge and skills to the Ayrshire College Board of Management. Aircraft engineering and airframe maintenance engineering has seen continued growth in South Ayrshire in recent years and has a significant presence at Prestwick Airport. Despite the temporary global challenges following the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry is again undergoing a major period of growth and remains a significant regional employer with highly skilled workforce requirements.
Mike is currently Director of Maintenance at Chevron Aircraft Maintenance Ltd based at Prestwick Airport and has a long history in the aviation industry. He was Managing Director of British Airways Regional Cargo before taking on the position of Commercial Director for Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) based at Heathrow Airport. From there he moved to Durban and Johannesburg to become Chief Operating Officer for WFS Africa in charge of opening up new operations across the continent of Africa. With his family based at home in Ayrshire, Mike came back to the UK in 2015 to take up the post of Business Development Director at Prestwick Airport, before moving to his current post in 2018.
Recognising the current challenges caused by the global skills shortage, which are particularly acute within the local Ayrshire aerospace and space sector, Mike is committed to the training and development of the young workforce and apprenticeship programmes in Ayrshire, whether it be for the aviation/aerospace industry or for other employers seeking a skilled workforce.
His current remit is Senior Independent Board Member and Chair of the Business, Resources & Infrastructure Committee.