The Air League is delighted to celebrate our 2026 Electric Flying Scholars, whose scholarships have been made possible through the generous support of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation. This year, Alexander Graham, Jack Hutchinson, Haayed Aslam, Eleanor (Ellie) Alcock and Oscar Noone were each awarded a five-hour Electric Flying Scholarship, delivered by our training partner Saxon Air.
Through the programme, scholars will gain valuable flying experience in the Pipistrel Velis Electro, the world’s first type-certified electric aircraft, while exploring the role that innovation and sustainability will play in the future of aviation. The scholarships provide much more than flight time. They offer access to industry knowledge, practical experience and career inspiration, helping to remove barriers and create opportunities for the next generation of aviation professionals. By investing in aspiring pilots through electric flight training, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation is helping to support both the future workforce and the future sustainability of aviation.
creating opportunities for diverse aviation talent
Creating opportunities for talented young people from a wide range of backgrounds remains central to The Air League’s mission. Feedback from the 2026 Scholarship Programme highlights the positive impact these opportunities continue to have:
- 25% of scholars were female, compared with the industry average of around 6% of pilots.
- One in three scholars came from an ethnic minority background.
- 53% of scholars were under 18, with a further 41% aged 18-24 and 6% aged 25-34.
The long-term impact of these opportunities is equally encouraging. A survey of Air League scholars from 2018-2025 found that 83% are either working within the aviation industry or pursuing aviation-related education and training.
With continued support from partners such as the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, we hope to inspire and enable even more young people to explore careers across aviation, aerospace and space in 2027 and beyond.
meet our 2026 electric flying scholars
Alexander Graham
Having recently completed his A-Levels, Alexander is now pursuing volunteering and employment opportunities as he works towards a career as a commercial pilot.
The scholarship will provide him with valuable flying experience while allowing him to experience one of aviation’s most exciting emerging technologies.
"I am excited to have some hands-on training in the Pipistrel Velis Electro at a time when sustainable aviation is still in its infancy, knowing that a greener future for the industry starts with the next generation of pilots."
Alexander hopes to progress through his CPL and ATPL qualifications and ultimately build a career in commercial aviation, while remaining a passionate advocate for sustainable flight.
Jack Hutchinson
Jack is an apprentice aircraft engineer with Virgin Atlantic who combines a passion for aircraft maintenance with ambitions of becoming a test and technical pilot.
Having already accumulated more than 20 hours of flying experience, the scholarship will help him continue working towards his Private Pilot Licence while deepening his understanding of emerging aviation technologies.
"The frequent short flights will allow me to make meaningful progress on my aviation journey which would not have been financially feasible given my apprentice wage."
Jack’s long-term ambition is to become a licensed B1/B2 engineer before progressing towards a technical pilot career.
Haayed Aslam
For Haayed, the scholarship represents another important milestone in an aviation journey already supported by The Air League. Having previously completed a 12-hour Flying Scholarship in 2024, he will now add further flying experience to his growing logbook.
This autumn, Haayed begins studying Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London, with aspirations spanning both aerospace engineering and professional flying.
"Flying on the world's first type-certified electric aircraft will be a unique experience for me."
Haayed is particularly excited to learn more about sustainable aviation technologies and their role in achieving the industry’s Net Zero ambitions.
Eleanor (Ellie) Alcock
Ellie is a Physics graduate, glider pilot and aspiring airline pilot who is currently funding her Private Pilot Licence training through her own earnings.
For her, the Electric Flying Scholarship presents an opportunity to combine practical flying experience with a deeper understanding of sustainability and innovation within aviation.
"This scholarship aligns perfectly with both my passion for flying and my commitment to sustainability."
Ellie hopes to become an airline captain and contribute to a more sustainable future for the aviation industry throughout her career.
oscar Noone
Oscar is a first-year Aerospace Engineering student at the University of Sheffield with ambitions of joining the RAF, while also considering a future in commercial aviation.
He believes scholarships such as these play a vital role in helping talented young people overcome the financial challenges often associated with entering aviation.
"For those scholars which [The Air League] support, we are able to work towards our dream, incrementally building hours and developing the key skills required to be an outstanding pilot."
Alongside his passion for flying, Oscar has a strong interest in sustainable aviation and the development of alternative propulsion technologies.
supporting the next generation
through partnership
Although each scholar’s journey is unique, they share a common determination to build successful careers in aviation and aerospace while embracing the innovative technologies shaping the industry’s future.
From aspiring airline pilots and engineers to future technical pilots and sustainability advocates, this year’s cohort represents the
talent, ambition and diversity that will drive aviation forward in the years ahead.
The Air League extends its sincere thanks to the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation for once again investing in young people through this life-changing programme.
"Meeting people who invest in young aviators the way [The Air League] do is genuinely inspiring, and I hope to one day be in a position to give back in the same way."
We look forward to following the progress of all five scholars as they take the next steps on their aviation journeys.
