In November 2024, I attended the Air League Annual Reception. , London. This took place in the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons.

The annual reception is a great networking event that brings aviation and aerospace professionals to government officials all in one room to celebrate outstanding achievements in the field.

During the event, I heard speeches from the amazing Janine Hornsby, CEO of the Air League; Sir Stephen Hillier GCB CBE, Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority and Ruth Cadbury MP, Chair of the Transport Select Committee. Each speaker highlighted the accomplishments of the award winners and praised the important work the Air League does in inspiring future generations and promoting careers in aviation and aerospace.

Medal Awards

The evening kicked off with award presentations led by Tony Keeling OBE, former Commandant of the Air Cadets.

The Founders’ Medal went to Kerissa Khan for her leadership as Past President of the Royal Aeronautical Society and for her efforts in boosting diversity within British aviation.

The prestigious Companionship Medal (CAiL), the highest honor the organization offers, was awarded to Robert Pooley LVO MBE CAiL, making him one of just 17 companions named in the past 25 years.

Jeffrey Quill Medal went to Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee for her work in encouraging young people in the UK to develop an interest in aviation.

And Robin Lipscombe MBE and Keirron Mascall were jointly honored with the Scott-Farnie Medal for their collective 103 years of service to education in the sector.

And of course, the great Lucy Isabel Dakin-Scott received the Marshall of Cambridge Medal for her outstanding support of the Air League Trust.

Framed Awards

Framed awards were presented to several individuals, including Group Captain Barry Dale, who took command of No2 Flying Training School; Sue Partridge, who led the A380 Wingbox team at Airbus; Balaji Srimoolonathan, who helped align national aerospace initiatives with UK government priorities; Golam Morshed, recognized for his financial leadership at the Air League; and Kathan Dudhela, who at a young age has become a trailblazer for future aviators, as the UK’s youngest flying instructor and world’s youngest flying examiner.

President’s and Gold Awards

The President’s Award and the Gold Medal were handed out by Air Marshal Sir Christopher Harper KBE. The President’s Award went to John Steel KC for his unwavering dedication to the Air League, while the Gold Medal was awarded to Tony Keeling OBE for his exceptional contributions to the organization. Very well deserved.

The formal part of the evening concluded with the Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Award, presented by Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence KCVO CB, which went to Winch Paramedic Carlton Real and Winch Operator Jason Bibby. They were recognised for their brave rescue of two people stranded by the rising tide at Bassets Cove, Portreath, Cornwall.

… Now onto drinks and lots of networking!

Drinks and Networking

My favourite part of the night – the people! It was honestly amazing seeing all friends – old and new at the event.

I got speaking to the David Burns, CEO of the Flyer Watch Company and his parents – Andrew and Margaret. Incredibly down-to-earth couple. Margaret worked as cabin crew for a leading British Airline – and we spoke about her experience compared to David’s (as a pilot at a low-cost airline).

I also had the opportunity to catch up with some good friends who I bumped into at countless other events, as well as building new connections – one of which was Janine Hornsby – this was the first proper formal event seeing her in action. She delivered a phenomenal speech. I briefly had a chat with her whilst packing up at the end of the night – we spoke about our shared aspiration to make aviation more accessible + introduce more events! Super excited to work with The Air League in the future – watch this space.

I highly recommend signing up to the Air League – one of the best (if not the best) organisation if you’re exploring a career in aviation. The opportunities, connections and direction they offer is worth far more than the annual membership cost of £30 odd pounds. If you have any questions around the Air League – feel free to message me – I’m always happy to help.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog and it has brought some insight and appreciation to some incredible talent we hold in aviation currently. Thank you for reading, until next time.