Brothers mark 80 years of welcoming ‘World’s shortest flight’

Two brothers whose dedication to their island community has seen them chalk up a combined 80 years serving on the remote Papa Westray airfield – home to the world’s shortest flight - have had their achievement recognised.

In a ceremony arranged by Orkney Islands Council which runs the ‘Papay’ airfield - and five others in the isles – Bobby and David Rendall were each presented with free return flights for two, from Papay to anywhere on the Loganair network courtesy of the airline, along with a commemorative engraved plaque from colleagues in the Council’s Transportation service.

Bobby and David began their duties at the airfield at the same time at the end of October 1984 – Bobby as Airfield Coordinator and David, the younger by six years, as Airfield Attendant.

David’s role as airfield attendant has seen him carry out day to day running of the Papay airport, fire and rescue duties and flight handling - including Loganair's Westray to Papa Westray route, famously the shortest scheduled passenger flight in the world.

As Airfield Co-ordinator, Bobby has the additional responsibilities of scheduling staff to attend to the three daily Loganair flights to/from Papay - as well as ambulance flights, which can occur any day, any time. Bobby also oversees the reporting of incidents, record keeping and adherence to the CAA regulations for his aerodrome, and acts as the day-to-day point of contact between his team and the Council’s Airfield Superintendent, based in Kirkwall.

Their achievement follows that of fellow airfield attendant and Papay community stalwart Neil Rendall  who hung up his hi-viz for the final time late last year, after a monumental fifty years’ service.

Orkney Islands Council is responsible for maintenance of six island airfields in Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, and Westray.

Key to this are the highly trained airfield staff who carry out a varied and vital role that includes the day to day running of the airport, office duties, fire and rescue duties, general maintenance such as grass cutting, flight handling and dealing with the public.

Airfield attendants are part-time, with most fitting their role in and around other jobs - meaning their motivation is not financial but comes more from a sense of community.

Jon Round, Head of Airspace, Aerodromes and Air Traffic Management at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Bobby and David’s years of dedication to safety at this vital, remote airfield has been nothing short of inspiring.

“During our recent audit at Papa Westray, Orkney, our Aerodromes team were impressed not only by their attention to detail but also by their unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.

“The brothers’ combined efforts over the last 40 years have played an instrumental role in keeping this airfield safe for all who rely on it.”

Maurice Boyle, Loganair’s Chief Operations Officer, said: “On behalf of everyone at Loganair I would like to extend my thanks to Bobby and David on their unwavering commitment to their roles at the airport and to the local community – ensuring residents and visitors can come and go from Papay with ease. It’s an incredible achievement to reach a combined 80-year milestone and we are thrilled that both Bobby and David will continue to provide their invaluable service at the airfield for many years to come.”

Orkney Islands Council North Isles councillor, Mellissa Thomson, said: "Our airfield attendants work in all hours and in all weathers to enable safe flights to and from some of the most fragile communities in the UK.

“‘These flights are absolutely vital for local folk, keeping them connected to services, business opportunities and social gatherings.

“The flights carry teachers and pupils, doctors and nurses and vital supplies to the isles – as well as visitors to our unique communities.

“Bobby and David have seen it all – from people ‘coming home’ with new babies, to travellers leaving with tears in their eyes wishing for more time in this beautiful place.

“As an airfield attendant in Orkney you are truly part of the fabric of the community. On behalf of Orkney Islands Council and our isles communities I wish Bobby and David all the very best as they continue to don the high viz for Papay.”

Airfield Superintendent for Orkney Islands Council, Sym Grayson, said: “Both Bobby and David are well known faces at Papay Airfield. Achieving 40 years in any role deserves celebration, but to have spent this amount of time providing an essential public service to their community day after day is outstanding. The wealth of airfield operations and firefighting experience the brothers share is priceless to the OIC Airfields team. I congratulate them both, not just for their long-service but for their professionalism, diligence and dedication and for being the finest folk to have the privilege of working with. Well done and thank you to them both.”

The brothers were presented with gifts on behalf of Orkney Islands Council and Loganair at a ceremony at Papa Westray airfield yesterday, 8 October 2024.