Industry talk
n What was your first job in travel and how much did you get paid?
At British Airways as an information technology buyer. I didn’t get paid half as much as the salespeople who were trying to sell me computers!
n What has been your biggest challenge in the travel industry?
Learning the regional aviation business. At Brymon Airways Iam lucky to be surrounded by some of the best people in the business.
n What has been your most embarrassing moment in the travel industry?
In the early days, I asked a Brymon pilot the difference between a Dash 7 (four engines) and a Dash 8-300 (two engines). He led me to the window and we took a look outside!
n What is the best job you’ve had, apart from your current one?
Groundsman at Poloc Cricket Club in Glasgow while at university.
n Which company, apart from your own, do you most admire and why?
The vacuum cleaner company Dyson – in particular the perseverance with which James Dyson has overcome years of rejection from financiers.
n What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
Get as much experience in as many areas of the business as you possibly can, as quickly as you can.
n When will digital TVstart to have a big impact on bookings?
Not until there is sufficient differentiation between the digital package and that offered by current providers.
n Make one prediction about travel in the 21st century:
There will be significant increase in visiting friends and relations traffic as airline networks expand, disposable incomes increase and air travel becomes more affordable.
Gareth Kirkwood
Job title: managing director, BrymonAirways.
Age: 36.
Born: Kilmarnock, Scotland.
Lives: Cheddar, Somerset.
Status: married to Alison, two children.
Education: Hutchesons Grammar School, Glasgow, Strathclyde University and Lancaster University.
Path to career: from 1986-1990 worked in various roles in the ITdepartment at British Airways. Joined Speedwing in 1990 as commercial manager. In 1992 became general manager of globalpurchasing at BA. In 1994 becamevice-president purchasing at USAirways. Took up current position in 1996.