+ Alison Chambers on Malcolm Ginsberg

He says he is finally retiring – and bidding farewell to Travel News Update – but I think that will not really happen until post 2027 when his treasured airport – London City – marks its 40th anniversary, says Alison Chambers of Emerald Media. 

I have had the pleasure of knowing Malcolm since then, when he was a prolific figure in the development of the Docklands' airport, supporting the late Charles Stuart.  He was one of the first people I met when I joined Flight International, straight out of college.  He was a firm feature in the offices in Dorset House, London, working on the Flight Aviation Directory.  Malcolm has remained a constant in my professional life.  He and his lovely wife Linda came to my wedding in 1987.  Malcolm looked after CSE Aviation's PR in the early 80s when they held the distributorship for Embraer, under the leadership of the flamboyant Lord Waterpark.  Off we all went to Oxford Airport for the story.  A decade later when I was supporting Crossair in the UK, we were guests of Embraer on a Brazil trip – flying with Air France.  There was Malcolm, among the journalist guests, marching us into the business lounge.  We didn't have lounge passes, but we all got in.  

As my company grew he played a supportive part helping us secure clients (British World Airlines, clickair).  Continuing his publishing ventures ABTN and latterly BT News, Malcolm launched the APRO (Airline Public Relations Organisation) directory.   What a useful tool that would be now, when so many airlines hide between their media@ addresses.  

Malcolm treated us to such fun trips – regular Southend to Jersey and Guernsey classics with Mike Kay and British Air Ferries; Brymon Airways' Dash 7 trips when Plymouth Airport was a vibrant regional hub and Manston Airport, when that was poised to be a new cargo/LCC hub.  What differentiates Malcolm?  He has always told it like it is.  Never afraid to ask that contentious question – at the UK Aviation Club – where as a founder member he served as an active committee member for many years; at British Airways' press conferences – when he was a regular guest.  He kept airline PR departments on the front foot – largely because he always knew more about their employer then they did.  Imagine if Malcolm had specialised in politics.  Move over Piers Morgan.  Enjoy your retirement Malcolm, but please, never stop asking questions.

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READERS' COMMENT

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Tony Cocklin,

So it is definitely TNU (Time Now Up) for Travel News Update! As I have said before, we will be sorry to see the much-appreciated publication go, but perfectly understand. Hopefully we can find time for an old boys get-together reasonably soon. ex BRITISH AIRWAYS PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Ian Dockreay,

Well, the end of several eras, but I am sure you will never truly fade away. It has been a great journey for you, and I know us industry veterans will never really hang up our exhibition or lunch shoes! Hope to see you at an event soon, WTM, Aviation Club etc. TRAVEL UNI

David Starkie, United Kingdom

Thank you Malcolm for a regular informed story and an especial thank you for allowing me the Comment slot on occasions (not won the battle on a shorter third runway at LHR). Enjoy your well deserved retirement.

David George,

We will miss you, Malcolm, and your monthly. You say that you will be "actively around" until 5th November 2027 - what happens thereafter. Sloane Helicopters.

Rigas Doganis,

You have done a grand job with TNU. Always something interesting and provocative to read . I wish you success in whatever you do next . Chairman at Airline Management Group Ltd

Lara Maughan,

Please let me, on behalf of all your industry colleagues at IATA, wish you a very happy retirement after such a long and successful career reporting on the industry you know so well. With our very best wishes for a healthy and happy next chapter, dont stay a stranger to the airlines! a

Martin Clough,

Malcolm Thank you for keeping us (your many readers) well Informed about commercial aviation matters in an interesting and timely manner. Enjoy your retirement. Regards