ABOUT AFOA
WHO ARE WE
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.
Our Committee
Waine Weaver Chairperson
Waine Weaver is an experienced fire service manager and the current Chairperson of the Airport Fire Officers Association (AFOA), having served on the committee since 2019. With a career spanning over three decades, Waine brings a wealth of operational, leadership, and training expertise to the Rescue & Fire Fighting Service.
Waine began his fire service career in 1992 with the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy, serving for nine years primarily at RNAS Yeovilton, as well as on board RFA Argus, HMS Ocean, and in Northern Ireland. After leaving full-time service in 2001, he continued to serve in the Royal Naval Reserve for an additional four years.
In 2001, Waine transitioned into civilian firefighting, joining both Lancashire & Blackpool Airport Fire and Rescue Services. At Blackpool Airport, he progressed steadily through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as Chief Fire Officer in 2013.
In 2021, Waine joined the Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh, where he was responsible for training delivery, course development, and quality assurance across multiple disciplines, further cementing his expertise in fire service education and leadership.
Waine currently serves as the Fire Service Manager for StandardAero, where he oversees the delivery of Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Fire Safety, and Emergency Planning across several UK sites. His role combines strategic oversight with operational leadership, ensuring the highest standards of safety and service delivery.
Catherine O’Brien
Catherine has been a qualified member of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) since 1997.
She has trained and worked as an accountant within public practice since leaving school following A-levels. After having her two sons she became self-employed, while still working within the same industry, in order to work the hours that suit her family life.
Simon Lane
Simon Lane is a Station Officer in charge of Operations for Falck Fire Services, bringing over 32 years of firefighting experience. He served for 10 years with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service until 2011, early into his career here, he transitioned to the Airport Fire Service, where he has dedicated the past 22 years. Throughout his career, Simon has played a key role in emergency response, operational planning, and firefighter training, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency. His leadership and expertise make him a vital asset to Falck Fire Services, where he continues to drive operational excellence and readiness in high-pressure environments.
He has a Level 7 certificate in Leadership and Management and has Member status with the Chartered Management Institute.
Dr Lee Rowley
Lesley Routh-Jones
Lesley has over 20 years’ experience within the Fire Sector working in stakeholder engagement, charity event organisation, income generation, business development and account management.
Lesley is well respected within both the UK and International Fire Sector, where she works closely with key influencers and stakeholders. Lesley has a vast and enviable network of contacts.
Lesley is employed as Head of UK and International Engagement for ISTC (International Safety Training College), she is a member of several Institutes and Associations.
Lesley has won awards for her contribution to charity.
Kieran Merriman BSc (Hons) GIFireE
Kieran Merriman is a highly experienced aviation fire and rescue professional with a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years across structural firefighting and Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS). He currently serves as Aerodrome Manager and Ground Operations Post Holder at BAE Systems Warton, where he provides strategic leadership across aerodrome safety, regulatory compliance, operational management, and emergency response capability.
Kieran began his aviation firefighting career in 1999 at BAE Systems Woodford, gaining early exposure to a diverse mix of aircraft programmes, test flying operations, and specialist aviation emergency response. His work at Woodford established a strong technical foundation in aviation firefighting that would shape the next phase of his career.
Following the closure of Woodford’s fire and rescue operations, Kieran transitioned to BAE Systems Warton, one of the UK’s most advanced aerospace centres. At Warton, he progressed from Watch Manager to Chief Fire Officer, broadening his experience across civil, military, and fast‑jet operational environments. As Watch Manager, he led the design, testing, and implementation of a state‑of‑the‑art BAe 146‑based high‑fidelity aircraft fire training facility, significantly enhancing the realism and effectiveness of specialist RFFS training on site.
As Chief Fire Officer, Kieran was responsible for delivering compliant, resilient, and high‑performing ARFF services during major operational challenges, including the COVID‑19 pandemic. His leadership ensured continuity of emergency response capability, robust safety standards, and the ongoing development of a well‑trained and highly capable fire service team.
Alongside his aviation career, Kieran served for more than 25 years as an on‑call firefighter with Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service. He gained substantial operational experience in structural firefighting, technical rescue, and incident command. His commitment and professionalism were formally recognised through a public commendation from the Chief Fire Officer of Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, awarded for his bravery and decisive actions during a particularly complex and dynamic multi‑rescue incident.
Kieran holds a BSc (Hons) degree and is a Graduate Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (GIFireE). In 2023, he was appointed to the Airport Fire Officers Association Committee, where he contributes his extensive operational, training, and leadership expertise to support the development and advancement of airport fire services across the UK and Ireland.
He remains passionate about raising standards in aviation firefighting training, enhancing regulatory compliance, and promoting collaborative, well‑prepared approaches to aerodrome emergency planning.
Matt Bourner
Matt Bourner is a Watch Manager at Manchester Airport with 32 years of distinguished service across both local authority and aviation fire services. He leads a team of 21 firefighters, ensuring operational readiness and responding to a wide range of domestic and aviation incidents. Committed to maintaining the highest professional standards, Matt prioritises both performance excellence and the ongoing development of his colleagues.
In 2019, Matt’s life changed dramatically following a serious road traffic collision in which he lost his right leg. Demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination, he returned to operational duty just four months later—becoming the first amputee aviation fire officer in the UK.
Driven by a desire to support others facing similar challenges, Matt serves as an ambassador for The Limbless Association. In this role, he promotes the charity’s work and provides guidance and encouragement to both pre- and post-operative amputees, helping them rebuild confidence and create fulfilling lives. He also volunteers at Keele University as a patient demonstrator, supporting the education and development of future prosthetists.
Matt’s career is defined not only by professional leadership and operational expertise, but also by resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Jonathan Stephens
Jonathan Stephens is an aviation safety and fire service professional with over 15 years’ experience across the aviation sector. He currently serves as Deputy Airport Manager and Fire Service Manager at Land’s End Airport.
Starting his career in aviation firefighting at an H3 heliport, Jonathan joined Land’s End Airport and has progressed through operational roles to senior aerodrome management. His experience spans low- and high-category operations focusing on fire service oversight, emergency planning, health and safety and aviation fuel operations.
Jonathan’s commitment to professional excellence has been recognised through various awards for management and firefighting. A collaborative and adaptable leader, Jonathan is passionate about advancing professional standards, knowledge sharing, and operational excellence within the aviation fire and rescue sector.
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Cath Rae
Cath Rae is the Head of Airport Control, Fire and Resilience at Edinburgh Airport. She brings 16 years’ experience in the aviation industry, specialising in crisis management, emergency planning, response, and organisational resilience.
Cath served over 10 years with Edinburgh Airport Fire and Rescue Service before progressing into wider airport management, where she has held a number of senior leadership posts. In her current role, Cath leads a diverse, multidisciplinary team of experts, united by a shared commitment to operational excellence, robust planning, and effective response.
Cath is strongly committed to delivering a modern and progressive Fire Service, ensuring it continues to meet—and anticipate—the evolving needs of the airport community.
Matt Bourner
Matt Bourner is a Watch Manager at Manchester Airport with 32 years of distinguished service across both local authority and aviation fire services. He leads a team of 21 firefighters, ensuring operational readiness and responding to a wide range of domestic and aviation incidents. Committed to maintaining the highest professional standards, Matt prioritises both performance excellence and the ongoing development of his colleagues.
In 2019, Matt’s life changed dramatically following a serious road traffic collision in which he lost his right leg. Demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination, he returned to operational duty just four months later—becoming the first amputee aviation fire officer in the UK.
Driven by a desire to support others facing similar challenges, Matt serves as an ambassador for The Limbless Association. In this role, he promotes the charity’s work and provides guidance and encouragement to both pre- and post-operative amputees, helping them rebuild confidence and create fulfilling lives. He also volunteers at Keele University as a patient demonstrator, supporting the education and development of future prosthetists.
Matt’s career is defined not only by professional leadership and operational expertise, but also by resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Current Members
AFRS GIBRALTAR
Alpine Metal Tech UK Limited
AMS Aircraft Recovery Limited
Angloco Ltd
Artemis TD Ltd
BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd
Ballyclare Group
Belfast City Airport Fire Service
Belfast International Airport
Birmingham Airport Fire and Rescue
Boscombe Down (QinetiQ FRS)
Bournemouth Airport Fire Service
Brighton City Airport
Bristol Airport
Cambridge Airport Fire Service
Cardiff Airport
Civil Aviation Authority
CODA (Operations) Ltd
Cornwall Airport Newquay
Cotswold Airport
Cranfield University
Defence Fire and Rescue
Defence Fire Safety Regulator
Delta Fire Ltd
De-Wipe
Draeger
Dubai Airports
Dublin Airport
East Midlands Airport
Edinburgh Airport
EFORSA
Emergency One (UK) Ltd
Emergency Response Driver Training Ltd
Exeter International Airport
Falck Fire Services UK
Falkland Islands Airport Fire & Rescue Service
Farnborough Airport Ltd
Fire Control Services Limited
Fire Service College (Capita)
Flaim
Flame-Pro
Gatwick Airport Fire Service
Gibb Medical and Rescue
Glasgow Prestwick Airport Ltd
Gloucestershire Airport
GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics
Guernsey and Alderney Airports
Hampshire FRS
Hawarden Airport
Hawkes Fire Ltd
Heathrow Airport Limited
Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd
Hunter Apparel Solutions
International Fire Training Centre
Irish Air Corps
IWM Duxford
KFT Fire Trainer GmbH
LearnPro Group
Leeds Bradford Airport
Leonardo Helicopters
Liverpool Airport Limited
London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
London Biggin Hill Airport
London Luton Airport Operations Limited
London Oxford Airport
London Southend Airport
Manchester Airport Fire Service
MSA Bristol
Newcastle International Airport Ltd
NFCC
Norwich International Airport
Perren Engineering Ltd
PGI Safety LTD
Ports of Jersey
Radiocoms Systems Ltd
Redkite
Red One LTD
Rescue Intellitech UK Ltd
Resqtec
Rosenbauer UK Ltd
Safe Fire Consultancy Ltd
Seychelles Airport Authority
Shannon Airport
Simtraineruk Ltd
SOS Oxygen
Southampton International Airport Ltd
SQEPTech LTD
Standby Group Ltd
Stansted Airport
Steroplast Healthcare Ltd
Structurus
Suffolk FRS
Teesside International Airport
Terberg DTS (UK) Ltd
Texport
The Fire Training Group
Tony Storer
Turks & Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority
Vector Aerospace FRS
Vimpex
Waterous Company
West Sussex FRS
Honorary Members
Bill Kitchen
Bob Slade
Chris Farnaby
Dave Cook
George Taylor
Gerry Keogh
Graeme Day
Graham Simpson
Haydn Beynon
Jason Ivey
Paul Hardiman
Phil Rowsell
Simon Webb
Mark Scoggins
John Purdy
Ian Webb
Simon Petts
Barry Alderslade
FAQs
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Membership brings with it many opportunities to collaborate and network with industry peers and professional bodies. Your organisation will have access to a wide range of expertise online, via member communications and working groups, virtual and in-person events. As well as driving up standards of operational delivery within the aviation firefighting industry, membership will enhance the professional development of you and your staff.
Who are your members?
Organisations or individuals with an interest in Aviation Rescue & Firefighting Services. AFOA has the vast majority of the UK licensed aerodromes as members, countless businesses within our supply chain, Local Authority FRS’s, and many more. It is an extremely broad association that gains input from a wide spectrum.
Who runs AFOA?
AFOA is effectively an industry association, our committee hold the responsibility for direction and governance, however they effectively report and answer to the membership.
What other bodies and organisations do you work with?
We work closely with the Airport Officers Association [AOA], the National Fire Chiefs Council [NFCC], Women in the Fire Service UK, JOIFF (fire hazard management) and IAFPA [International Aviation Fire Protection Association]. The Civil Aviation Authority [CAA] have spoken at many of our events and provide us with legislative updates and guidance that we disseminate to members.
We continue to build affiliations with our international counterparts and work closely with the Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting Working Groups (USA). We also support the Fire Service Charity.
What kind of events do you run?
We run a minimum of two events a year, a main two-day conference with workshops and dinner in February and an AGM in September. During Covid-19 restrictions these events were held online. We actively look for other events (Supplier Demo Days etc.) that we can add value to.
How have you supported the industry in the Covid-19 pandemic?
The art of emergency planning and operational resilience is second nature to the aviation firefighting sector but the Covid-19 pandemic required an unprecedented pace of response. We were able to share updates such as easements from the Civil Aviation Authority on a dedicated area of our website and held a webinar on the sector’s response to the pandemic where airports shared their key learnings and recommendations for future planning.
Does AFOA provide guidance on industrial relations issues?
No. AFOA was formed with the clear mandate not to become involved in any form of industrial relation issue either in a direct or indirect manner. AFOA is only concerned with the development of standards, best practice, and the promotion of communications throughout the industry.
How are you promoting diversity in the industry?
AFOA is committed to promoting equal opportunities and it is important to us that our membership represents the industry as a whole, not just senior officers. Much of our work is focused on developing the junior ranks. We have recently begun working with Women in the Fire Service to see how we can help to build more progressive airport fire and rescue services in the UK and Ireland.
How do I join?
To become a member of AFOA contact us here.
How much does it cost?
Around £120 per organisation.