The Air League and Stelios Philanthropic Foundation Host Dinner with Aviation Minister Mike Kane MP

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On Tuesday, January 21st, the Air League hosted a memorable evening at the headquarters of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in London, celebrating its corporate supporters and partners. This event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and advocates to champion a shared vision: creating clear and accessible pathways from education to careers in aviation, aerospace, and space.

The evening provided a platform to spotlight the vital role the Air League plays in collaboration with industry, government, and education to inspire young people and reframe careers in these sectors as exciting, inclusive, and achievable for all.

In her opening remarks, CEO Janine Hornsby praised the industry for its efforts to inspire the next generation but emphasised the need for a more cohesive approach. She stressed, “While we’re all doing great work, there’s a risk we might fade from young people’s minds if we don’t leave them with a clear next step. To truly make an impact, we must collaborate more, embed ourselves where the next generation already is, and tell a more compelling and cohesive story that shows young people from all backgrounds that they belong.”

Janine also highlighted the Air League’s broader mission: “Our programmes go beyond building talent pipelines for industry partners. We focus on nurturing resilient, confident young people who will one day lead our industry.”

Personal Stories That Inspire Change

Tony Anderson, Marketing Director of easyGroup and one of easyJet’s first employees, shared his journey of helping to build an unlikely start-up into a globally recognised brand. His story underscored the importance of giving opportunities to individuals who might not fit the conventional mould on paper but bring passion and potential to the table. “By looking in places we don’t normally look, we’ll uncover hidden gems and build a more diverse, inclusive workforce,” he said.

Mohammad Taher, widely known as “The Airport Guy” and an aviation ambassador, challenged the traditional perception of industry outreach. He argued, “The word ‘reach’ implies effort on our part to find talent. Instead, we should be creating opportunities that attract young people to come to us. We need to reframe the word ‘outreach’ to ‘positioning’.”

Lucy Dakin-Scott, a previous Air League Scholar, shared with guests her journey to the flightdeck, inspired and funded by Air League programmes and opportunities. Having joined the Air League in 2019, she received support to enable her to gain her Private Pilots’ Licence at 19 years old.

A Keynote Address with Vision

The evening’s highlight was the keynote speech by Mike Kane MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime, and Security. He reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable talent pipeline, stating, “Talent is everywhere. Breaking barriers isn’t just fair—it’s smart politics. Diversity in all its forms drives progress.”

He continued, “Research shows that children start forming career aspirations by age seven. With early intervention and the right mentors and role models, there’s no limit to what we can help them achieve.”

He also praised initiatives like Soaring to Success and Reach for the Skies, which play a critical role in inspiring and guiding young talent.

A Call for Collaboration

Discussions throughout the evening focused on key topics, including the importance of clear career pathways, meaningful interactions between students and professionals, and delivering a unified industry message to help young people make informed decisions.

Janine Hornsby concluded: “This evening demonstrated the strong commitment between industry and government to attract and retain a skilled workforce. Now, we must turn words into action, building on this momentum to create real change. Together, we’re shaping a future that is not only inclusive and sustainable but ensures equal opportunities for people from all backgrounds.”

Recognising Supporters and Partners

The dinner also served as an opportunity to thank the Air League’s long-term supporters, including The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, British Airways and Boeing, whose contributions, among others, are integral to the organisation’s mission to change lives through aviation. Their support enables the Air League to reach thousands of young people across the UK each year.

The Air League extends its heartfelt gratitude to Sir Stelios, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, and Mike Kane MP for their invaluable contributions to the evening’s success. By uniting key stakeholders, the event reinforced a collective commitment to shaping a vibrant, inclusive future for the aviation and aerospace sectors.

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