Keith Elkington, director of aviation for the Swan Group, Inflite the Jet Centre at Stansted, has retired after 40 years in the industry. He leaves Inflite on a high note after the company notched up a record year in 2001 for aircraft movements. “I’m very pleased the handling business is doing so well, April and May this year have been just fantastic,” he said.

Steve Buckingham, director of engineering, will now keep an eye on operations in Elkington’s place. “The company is extremely fortunate to have gathered together a group of hard working and highly motivated enthusiastic people who really enjoy their work,” added Elkington. His 40 years of flying have taken in some 14,000 hours flight time.

The former RAF pilot also had spells at BAe and P&O before his final appointment at Inflite, but said he knew when it was time to call it a day. “I ran over my laptop computer the other day and if that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is,” he joked.