Smart Aviation is bidding a fond farewell to its longest-standing employee today as Clive Head officially retires after 47 years in the aviation industry.
A pillar of Smart Aviation
Clive joined Smart Aviation in 2007, just two years after the company was founded, and quickly became an instrumental part of the team. Widely recognised across the industry, Clive has been pivotal in shaping Smart’s sports charter programme.
As Sports Charter Specialist, he has successfully organised thousands of charters for football and rugby clubs, as well as large-scale operations for supporter groups within Smart’s annual football and rugby programmes. His expertise extended far beyond these sports, coordinating charters for ice hockey, athletics, handball, basketball, golf, beach volleyball and more.
A career spanning nearly five decades
Clive began his aviation career in 1978 at Southend Airport, working in Air Traffic Control with several airlines. Before joining Smart in December 2007, he held senior management roles at Britannia Airways, Bookajet and Excel Airways.
Reflecting on his career, Clive said: “I am extremely proud of what I have achieved throughout my career and particularly during the last 18 years at Smart. I’ve seen some great airlines come and go and a lot of changes over the years. I’m honoured to have worked with some of the world’s greatest sports clubs, including Premier League teams, and organised private jets for global sports stars. Being in aviation is a great place to be.”
A lasting legacy
Mark Hawkins, Founder and Managing Director of Smart Aviation, added: “It’s a sad day at Smart HQ but we wish Clive all the best in his retirement. His knowledge and passion for aviation have been a huge part of the company’s success over the last 20 years and we’re grateful for all the hard work and commitment he has always shown. We are the global leaders in sports charters and he played a huge part in that. We will all miss him.”
Looking ahead
Clive’s retirement marks the end of an era at Smart Aviation. His dedication, knowledge, and unwavering passion for the industry have set the benchmark for excellence in sports chartering. His colleagues, airline partners, and long-standing clients alike recognise not only his professionalism but also his warmth and humour, which have been central to the relationships he built.
Smart Aviation thanks Clive for his remarkable service and contribution, and wishes him a long, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.
About Smart:
Smart Aviation was founded in 2005 by Managing Director Mark Hawkins, an established sports charter specialist with over 30 years’ experience in senior operational roles within the travel and aviation industry. Previously Hawkins managed sports charters at Excel Airways, which included flying over 4,000 fans to a football final. Over the last 20 years, Smart Aviation has arranged successful charters for leading sport fixtures, transported thousands of passengers on their annual pilgrimages to Lourdes, and flown VIPS on exclusive private jet charters on a weekly basis around the world.
