Bristol Airport appoints new Planning & Sustainability Director

Bristol Airport has appointed Clare Hennessey to the position of Planning & Sustainability Director. 

Clare brings a broad experience having previously worked with EDF Energy leading the programme of planning and environmental consents required for the decommissioning of several nuclear power stations. She has also worked in a number of sectors and developments including Hinkley Point C, London's Elizabeth Line, and the London Olympics, which required a combination of planning and sustainability disciplines to progress and deliver long term value to communities and customers. Her experience in the aviation sector includes providing strategic advice to Gatwick Airport and advice to the Department for Transport on the National Policy Statement for Airport Expansion in the South East.  

As Planning & Sustainability Director, Clare will play a key role in developing the future of Bristol Airport and will be responsible for shaping and implementing Bristol Airport’s planning and sustainability strategies. The appointment comes as the Airport has successfully secured 12 million passengers per annum planning permission; and work has already commenced developing the Airport for the future. 

Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport, said: “We are delighted to welcome Clare to the team, she joins Bristol Airport at an exceptionally exciting time.  Clare will oversee the development of our masterplan, sustainability strategy and partnerships. Working closely with stakeholders to meet our ambitious sustainability targets – in being one of the first UK airports to be a net zero airport operation by 2030.  Clare’s appointment will help us to build on the work already started, prioritising sustainability and responsible planning strategies for the future.” 

Clare Hennessey, Planning & Sustainability Director, Bristol Airport said: “I am excited to join the Bristol Airport team and I understand the important role Bristol Airport plays in the region. It is a major tourism gateway, connecting the region for both business and leisure, and provides a wide range of business, tourism, and job opportunities.  I look forward to working with our stakeholders as we take forward the first of many transformational projects for the airport and masterplan for growth aligned with our sustainability goals.” 

Work has already commenced on Bristol Airport’s largest capital project ever with an investment of over £60 million, creating a public transport interchange hub and multi-storey car park. The transformational project will enhance services and accessibility for customers whether arriving or departing from Bristol Airport. 

The project will provide a significantly enlarged public transport interchange hub, improved internal road system, enclosed – glazed airbridge linking car parks to the terminal and an additional multi-storey car park providing customer enhancements such as waiting rooms and rest facilities. The project forms part of Bristol Airport’s overall multi-million-pound transformational development plan enabling 12 million passengers a year to use the Airport.