HIGH PRAISE FOR AIRPORT HELPERS
HELPING people on their way, be they arriving or departing the Gold Coast Airport is a growing band of volunteers who form the award-winning airport’s ambassador staff.
Following the latest round of recruitment, the ambassador ranks now total 75, providing 90 shifts a week in assisting visitors to the airport.
The ambassadors represent a broad cross section of the community, from uni students to a former US Air Force worker and a retired airline steward from the early days of air travel.
Among them is Barry Ransom from Tallebudgera Valley who is 84.
Mr Ransom, who worked at Qantas and British Airways, has always held an interest in aviation and prior to volunteering at the airport, gave his time at Robina Hospital along with his wife. “We were drawn to the airport after seeing an ad in the free newspaper (Sun). That was two years ago and it has been very rewarding ever since,” he said.
“I do two days a week and the best thing about the role is helping people go in the right direction.”
Working alongside Mr Ransom is the youngest volunteer, Phebe Mills, 19 from Mermaid Waters.
“I am studying tourism at uni and being a volunteer is providing me with a great insight into airport operations, being able to meet people and I love the atmosphere,” she said.
Gold Coast Airport was recently awarded the Best Regional Airport in the Australia-Pacific region, as well as the Best Service Staff at last month’s Skytrax World Airport Awards.