Chair of Sustainable Aviation, having returned to academia in 1998 after 13 years in the aviation industry. He has been an advisor to the UK Government, the European Commission, the World Economic Forum and the international air transport industry on environment and sustainability issues associated with the development of aviation.

Prof. Thomas is internationally known within the industry, having been an advisor to the UK Government and the European Commission on aviation and environmental/ sustainability issues. He was responsible for establishing and managing Manchester Airport’s Bird Control Unit, its Environment Department and Community Relations Department – all UK firsts and all of which have enjoyed international acclaim.

His expertise involves the sustainable development of aviation, environmental constraints upon airport growth and the impact of airport operations on local communities.  Most recently his research has focused upon the implications of aviation for climate change, carbon management at airports, climate impacts upon air transport and the relationship between aviation, tourism and climate change.

By training Prof. Thomas is a bird biologist.  He spent many years researching the behaviour and ecology of seabirds before moving on to address the hazards posed by birds to aircraft. He has co-authored two books and over 60 scientific papers. In 2008 he was invited to become a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society for his lifetime contribution to aviation.

He is a member of Airports Council International European Environment Committee (Chair 1995 – 1997) and sits on the WORLD Standing Committee for Environment.