ABOUT AFOA

The Airport Fire Officers Association (AFOA), formed in 1998, is a proactive professional organisation dedicated to supporting and advancing the interests of airport fire officers and fire services, primarily within the United Kingdom and Ireland, with an increasing international reach. 

We are dedicated to improving industry standards in airport fire safety, emergency response and leadership through training, information sharing, and collaboration. 

AFOA has a clear mandate not to become involved in any form of industrial relations issues, either directly or indirectly. Our primary concern is the development of standards, best practice, and the promotion of communications throughout the industry. AFOA works with various stakeholders across the industry, including  Airports UK, Airport Owners, Manufacturers, Training Providers (such as Fire Service College and Serco International Fire Training Centre) and Equipment Suppliers. Previous projects have ensured that AFOA encourage a better, more pro-active relationship with these bodies as we feel the need to be involved with fire fighting technologies and, their on-going development

We also maintain strong relationships with legislative bodies in the UK such as The CAA, NFCC and comparable associations overseas, in order to raise the profile of Airport Fire Services. 

Our work involves assisting in developing standards, promoting best practices, and fostering communication on technical and operational matters related to aviation firefighting.

AFOA also focuses on the professional development of airport fire officers, including junior ranks, and provides a platform for knowledge exchange through meetings and an annual conference.

An example of the work undertaken includes the production of a Generic Guidance Manual produced for the implementation of an in house Maintenance Scheme for Fire Fighters which will be expanded now that the Supervisory and Managerial Roles have been identified and agreed., and the RFFS Medical & Fitness Policy Guidance Document.

In conclusion, AFOA are well established within the industry and has a strong rapport with legislative bodies in the UK as well as comparable associations overseas. It is clear that there is a need for such a forum so that a certain amount of commonality can be achieved, much in the same way that the local authority brigades operate through the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

AFOA are actively looking to extend their reach across the UK, including lower Category airports, new training providers, and equipment and vehicle manufacturers. If this is of interest, please get in touch.