Speakers

Simon Petts is the Chief Fire Officer and Head of Aerodrome Emergency Planning at London Gatwick Airport, bringing extensive experience in operational firefighting, incident command, emergency planning, and organisational leadership.

He began his career with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, serving both in the UK and overseas on fire stations and on the flight decks of the UK’s aircraft carriers. This early experience provided a strong foundation in high-risk aviation firefighting and emergency response in complex and dynamic environments.

He holds a degree in Fire & Rescue Service operations, a postgraduate qualification in Integrated Emergency Planning, and the CFPA Diploma in Fire Protection. He combines strong academic foundations with significant operational experience developed throughout his career and has achieved a wide range of professional qualifications in fire service leadership, incident command, emergency management, and specialist response disciplines.

Simon has served as Chair of both the Airport Fire Officers Association (AFOA) and the Airports UK, Rescue and Fire Fighting Services Working Group. In these roles, he has worked closely with industry partners, regulators, and emergency service leaders to help shape the future of aviation fire and rescue services across the UK. His contributions have supported the development of policy, operational standards, training frameworks, and strategic initiatives to address the evolving challenges facing the sector.

Throughout his career, Simon has developed a particular interest in emerging risks and the challenges posed by advancing technologies. He has been actively involved in assessing and developing operational responses to alternative fuel hazards, including lithium-ion battery systems, hydrogen technologies, and the increasing electrification of transport and infrastructure.

Working collaboratively with manufacturers, emergency services, aviation stakeholders, government agencies, and research organisations, Simon continues to drive innovation in emergency preparedness and response, ensuring that fire and rescue services remain equipped to meet both current and future risks.

Today, Simon will share his insights into the challenges associated with alternative fuels, exploring key operational considerations, lessons identified, and the future implications for fire and rescue services as the transition to new energy technologies accelerates.