Decades of departures for half century airport worker
IN the past five decades, cargo handler David Oakes has helped dispatch lions to Malaysia, captured parrots loose in a plane’s hold and even loaded dolphins on to a Concorde.
David, 66, is now celebrating 50 years of work at Manchester Airport and his bosses have thrown him a party to recognise his contributions.
Reflecting on his half century David admits he loves the industry – but still hates flying.
He got his first break in a cargo warehouse aged just 16, when the transport hub was still called Ringway.
David says that he was first drawn to the industry to get cheap flights to visit his best friend who had emigrated to Canada.
But it’s an industry he has grown to love and it’s now ‘in his blood.’
To celebrate his varied half century in an ‘unpredictable’ industry, he’s been named the VIP at a party laid on by bosses at Manchester Airports Group.
David, who lives in Offerton and also owns and runs Hasty Lane Horse and Pony Sanctuary, has worked for many firms during his tenure - some more than once.
Married to Margaret, 68, a retired Stepping Hill clerk, David, who was born in West Gorton, said: “It’s gone technology mad, it’s definitely changed.
“I really hope everyone I’ve shared time with at the airport will come on Friday - I have lots of respect for so many people.
“The best thing is definitely the people you work with, and I’m proud to be a part of Manchester Airport.
“It used to be like a little town.
“It’s a bit more broken up now but I still see the faces I recognise.
“Sadly there are a lot of people who are no longer with us.
“I’m hoping that people will read this and come along.”
David might never have worked at the hub if it weren’t for his best friend Dave Nolan, who emigrated to Canada.
David said: “That was the main reason for it, but now the airport is in my blood.
“It’s one of the most unpredictable jobs you can have and working in the passenger and freight worlds has been amazing.”
David is currently looking after nine ponies and the sanctuary.
He was raising money to help care for them at the party, which was held on Friday on the third floor of building 308 at the airport.