Wales might not be the first country you think of when it comes to private aviation, but you’ll be surprised to find that it does play a nuanced role in the nation, especially in Pembrokeshire. While Wales isn’t home to many private airports or billionaire jet-setters, private flights play a vital role in the Welsh aviation economy. This article explores the state of private aviation in Wales, its implications for Pembrokeshire residents, and how it compares to the broader UK private aviation sector.

At a glance 

Wales’ primary airport is Cardiff Airport (CWL), located in the Vale of Glamorgan. Historically, Cardiff Airport has seen fluctuating passenger numbers, with a peak of approximately 2.1 million passengers in 2007. However, by 2019, this number had declined to around 1.65 million. The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted these figures, with passenger numbers dropping to approximately 219,984 in 2020 and 123,825 in 2021. There was a partial recovery in 2022, with passenger numbers reaching 859,805.

Cardiff Airport primarily serves commercial flights but also accommodates private aviation needs. However, the lack of dedicated private jet facilities means that amenities such as luxury lounges, concierge services, and dedicated terminals are limited compared to other regions. This has implications for Welsh residents, particularly those in Pembrokeshire, who rely on private aviation for business and leisure. For long-haul flights, some Welsh residents prefer to fly first-class to Heathrow before switching to a private jet charter. 

Welsh private aviation infrastructure 

Wales lacks dedicated private jet airports that cater exclusively to private aviation. Private flights typically utilise facilities at Cardiff Airport, which has its fixed-base operator, Signature Aviation. Passengers can enjoy a private check-in, exclusive lounges, and complimentary refreshments. 

Unfortunately, experienced private travellers who are used to flying from Farnborough or London City Airport may find services here to be lacking compared to private airports. As a result, private aviation in Wales remains underdeveloped, limiting its appeal to high-net-worth individuals and corporate travellers.  

Air travel in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire does not have a commercial airport, so residents must rely on car transfers to access larger airports like Cardiff Airport or airports in England for commercial and private flights. The region is served by Haverfordwest Airport (Withybush Airport), a small airfield primarily used for general aviation and flight training.

Haverfordwest Airport is a valuable resource for local aviation enthusiasts, but it hardly suits the needs of most Pembrokeshire residents as it lacks the infrastructure to support larger private jets. For Pembrokeshire residents, private aviation often involves travelling to Cardiff or across the border to England, adding time and complexity to their travel plans.

Wales vs the rest of the UK

Wales lags behind England in the private aviation sector. In 2024, 12,702 private jet flights were made in the UK, most of which departed from English airfields. This is not necessarily due to a lack of demand in Wales; England has an established private aviation infrastructure, so even Welsh private travellers will drive to destinations like Bristol or Birmingham for their charter flight. 

For example, London Luton Airport and Farnborough Airport are major international hubs for private aviation, offering state-of-the-art facilities and services tailored to high-net-worth individuals. In contrast, Wales’ limited infrastructure means it has not experienced similar growth. This disparity highlights the need for investment in private aviation hubs for Wales to serve its residents better and attract high-value travellers.

What does this all mean for Pembrokeshire residents?

For Pembrokeshire residents, the limited access to commercial and private aviation necessitates reliance on ground transfers to access larger airports. This reliance can add time and complexity to travel plans, making private aviation less convenient compared to regions with dedicated facilities.

For example, a Pembrokeshire resident looking to fly privately to London or Europe would need to travel to Cardiff Airport or an English airport like Bristol or Exeter. This additional travel time can offset the convenience of private aviation, particularly for short-haul flights. However, the benefits of private travel outweigh those of commercial flight when travelling long-haul, even if it means a couple of hours’ drive beforehand. 

A sleeping giant of private aviation

It’s clear to see that private aviation in Wales is slightly choked by the sheer availability and height of resources in the nation next door. While the UK has seen growth in private aviation, a very small portion of that is taking place in Welsh airfields due to the lack of infrastructure. Addressing these infrastructure gaps could enhance accessibility and convenience for Welsh travellers opting for private charters, but such developments would need to balance economic benefits with environmental considerations.

For now, Pembrokeshire residents must navigate the limited local aviation infrastructure, relying on nearby airports and car transfers to access private jet facilities. However, with strategic investments and a focus on sustainability, Wales has the potential to develop a thriving private aviation sector that meets the needs of its residents and attracts high-value visitors from around the world.

ONE of the UK’s longest standing initiatives connecting businesses and organisations with academia is celebrating 50 years of delivering value to the Welsh economy.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme drives growth and innovation by solving real world ‘business’ challenges in partnership with academics across Wales and the UK. The resulting partnerships are focused on creating solutions that deliver innovation, economic growth and social or environmental benefits, leading to changes that improve people’s lives.

Over the last few years alone, Welsh KTP projects have resulted in 78 new jobs, and a £6.5m investment in innovation – including £1.8m in funding from the Welsh Government, which delivers the scheme in partnership with Innovate UK.

For each pound of public investment this is estimated to have generated a return of up to £5.50 in net economic benefits for the Welsh economy.

Across the UK up to an estimated £2.3bn was added to the economy between 2010 and 2020 thanks to collaborative innovation via KTPs.

The scheme also helps businesses bring in new skills via a talented graduate that is employed to work on the project.

Non-profit Cerebra collaborated with Cardiff University for a recent KTP. The Carmarthen-based charity helps improves the lives of children with brain disorders by supporting their families with their long-term health, education, and social needs.

The KTP developed an AI-driven approach to increase the effectiveness of Cerebra’s marketing campaigns, and secure more donations for the charity.

Associate Professor in Marketing Analytics at Cardiff Business School, Dr Simon Jang said:

“Our KTP with Cerebra shows how Cardiff University collaborates with organisations to deliver real-world impact. By combining our expertise in marketing, data analytics, and AI, we developed data-driven strategies that strengthened Cerebra’s donor engagement and long-term sustainability – demonstrating how KTPs drive both organisational growth and wider social value.”

Business Partner Supervisor for Cerebra, Ricky Howells said:

“This KTP has underpinned the necessity of looking to apply data driven decisions in all aspects of fundraising.

“As a result we will be able to reach and support more families in the future, making a meaningful difference to the lives of children living with a brain condition.”

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said:

“KTPs are an important part of the Welsh innovation ecosystem, driving forward better outcomes for our businesses, our academic institutions, our residents and our environment.

“For fifty years this pioneering programme has enabled businesses and organisations like Cerebra tap into the expertise of some of the best research that the UK has to offer. It has also accelerated progression for graduates, creating high value, well paid jobs throughout Wales.”

Richard Lamb, KTP Programme Manager at Innovate UK, said:

“Innovate UK is proud to work with Welsh Government on the KTP programme as one of its lead supporters. Welsh Government funding not only supports individual projects but supports Welsh universities and colleges to work with local businesses and organisations.”

IN AN INDUSTRY where reliability, professionalism, and experience are paramount, RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd has emerged as a leading provider of security services and training across Wales. Founded in November 2021 by Company Director Ryan Mayne and Kerry Mcreynolds, they were joined by General Manager Mathew Davies in 2022, the company has grown into a trusted name in the security sector, offering high-quality training programs, security staffing, and event protection.

Now, with a team of around 300 employees, RM Training is poised to expand its operations in Pembrokeshire and beyond, ensuring businesses, event organisers, and hospitality venues have access to qualified security personnel in a sector where demand is at an all-time high.

From high-risk security to building a future in Pembrokeshire

For Ryan Mayne, the security industry is not just a business—it’s a lifelong career shaped by real-world experience in high-risk environments. With over two decades in top-tier security roles, Ryan has worked in some of the UK’s largest clubs, corporate settings, and high-profile protection services, dealing with situations that were often tense, unpredictable, and dangerous.

“When I think back to some of the things I saw and some of the incidents I had to deal with, it scares me,” Ryan reflects.

But his life changed during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Home Office deployed him to Pembrokeshire to help manage refugee and asylum seeker security operations. It was here that he fell in love with the county, leading to a decision that would shape both his personal and professional future.

“I was deployed to a site near Tenby, and it didn’t take me long to realise just how fantastic Pembrokeshire is,” Ryan explains. “I knew this was the place where I wanted to build something new.”

That decision was cemented by his relationship with Tenby native Kerry McReynolds, who he is due to marry in September.

“We knew Pembrokeshire was the place where we wanted to bring up our children,” Ryan says. “So it made sense to set up the company here too.”

While Ryan handles the strategic direction and business growth, Kerry plays a pivotal role in the company’s success, managing client relations, staff retention, and back-office operations, all while raising their two-year-old son, Archie.

“She’s the driving force,” Ryan says. “None of this would be possible without her.”

When it comes to ensuring the smooth operation of a security business, General Manager Mathew Davies is the man who makes it happen. With a background in both military and civilian security, Mathew brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and leadership to RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd, making him a key figure in its rapid growth and ongoing success.

Since joining forces with Company Director Ryan Mayne, Mathew has played a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations, staff training, and client relationships, helping RM Training establish itself as one of the leading security providers in Pembrokeshire and South Wales.

Mathew’s journey into the security industry was forged through years of hands-on experience in demanding environments. His military background instilled a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking, all of which have proven invaluable in his role at RM Training.

After transitioning into civilian security, Mathew quickly climbed the ranks, demonstrating a deep understanding of risk management, personnel coordination, and high-pressure decision-making. These skills now form the backbone of RM Training’s success, ensuring that every security operation runs seamlessly.

Empowering Pembrokeshire’s Workforce with security training

One of RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd’s primary objectives is to provide local people with a structured pathway into the security industry.

The company offers over 140 online and practical courses, covering a wide spectrum of security roles including:
 Door supervision for pubs, clubs, and licensed venues
 Corporate security for offices and commercial spaces
 Retail security for shopping centres and stores
 Event and festival security
 Site and property security

A core focus is Security Industry Authority (SIA) accredited training, ensuring trainees receive recognised qualifications required to work in the sector.

Their newly established office in Port Talbot is also playing a key role in retraining workers affected by the Tata Steel job losses, helping individuals transition into security careers following redundancy.

“Our goal is not just to train people but to give them career progression opportunities,” Ryan explains. “This industry is about keeping people safe, and that starts with having well-trained professionals.”

Expanding security services across Wales

Beyond training, RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd provides security services for a wide range of businesses. The company currently supports:
 Bars, pubs, and nightclubs struggling to find licensed and reliable door staff
 Retail and corporate businesses in need of on-site security operatives
 Festivals and major events requiring crowd management teams
 Close protection and private security clients

With over 200 events already booked for 2024, RM Training is becoming the go-to security provider for major gatherings across South Wales.

But for General Manager Mathew Davies, ensuring quality and reliability is just as important as expansion.

“He’s the one who makes sure the staff are doing what they’re supposed to be doing, while offering them all the support they need,” says Ryan. “Mathew works 24/7 to ensure our high standards never slip.”

The company now aims to secure additional security contracts across Pembrokeshire, addressing a major shortage of trained security personnel in the region.

“The reality is that there simply aren’t enough trained security professionals in Pembrokeshire,” Ryan explains. “Businesses struggle to find reliable door staff and event security. We’re here to fix that.”

The future for RM Training & Security Solutions Ltd

As RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd continues its growth trajectory, the company remains committed to:
 Expanding its presence in Pembrokeshire and South Wales
 Training the next generation of security professionals
 Providing reliable security solutions to businesses and event organisers
 Raising awareness of the industry’s importance in safeguarding communities

With a dedicated team, strong leadership, and a clear vision, RM Training is not just building a security business—it’s building a safer Pembrokeshire.

For more information, visit:

 www.rmtrainingandsecuritysolutionsltd.co.uk
 admin@rmtrainingandsecuritysolutionsltd.co.uk
 01834 526418