Last week’s Air League Annual Reception brought together leading figures from the aviation and aerospace sector – including government ministers, shadow secretaries of state, and senior industry executives – to honour outstanding contributions to the field.
Held in the Terrace Pavilion in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 19th November, the reception featured keynote speeches from Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Sir Stephen Hillier GCB CBE; Chair of the Transport Select Committee, Ruth Cadbury MP; and Chief Executive Officer of the Air League, Janine Hornsby. Each speaker praised the achievements of the award recipients and highlighted the Air League’s vital work in inspiring future generations and promoting careers in aviation and aerospace.
The evening’s awards began with presentations by former Commandant of the Air Cadets, Tony Keeling OBE. These included the Founders’ Medal, awarded to Kerissa Khan for her leadership as Past President of the Royal Aeronautical Society, which elevated the organisation’s global profile and inspired diversity in British aviation. The Companionship Medal, the organisation’s highest honour, was awarded to Robert Pooley LVO MBE, joining a group of only 17 companions elected over the past 25 years. The Jeffrey Quill Medal was awarded to engineering ambassador, Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee for her contributions to delivering air-mindedness among British youth. Robin Lipscombe MBE and Keirron Mascall were jointly recognised for the Scott-Farnie Medal for their combined 103 years of service in delivering education across the sector. Lucy Isabel Dakin-Scott was recognised with the Marshall of Cambridge Medal for her exceptional support of the Air League Trust.
The recipients of the Framed Addresses, include Group Captain Barry Dale, who took command of the No2 flying training school; Sue Partridge who has undertaken various leadership roles at Airbus, notably leading the A380 Wingbox team; Balaji Srimoolonathan, honoured for aligning national aerospace initiatives with UK government priorities as Programme Director of the Aerospace Growth Partnership; Golam Morshed, recognised for his exceptional financial oversight and resource optimisation for the Air League; and Kathan Dudhela, acknowledged as the UK’s youngest flying instructor and the world’s youngest flying examiner, inspiring future aviators through seminars, talks, and volunteering while breaking barriers for young flying instructors.
The President’s Award and the Gold Medal were presented by Air Marshal Sir Christopher Harper KBE. John Steel KC received the President’s Award for his dedicated service to the Air League, and the Gold Medal was awarded to Tony Keeling OBE for his exceptional contributions to the Air League’s mission.
The final award of the evening, the Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Award, was presented by Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence KCVO CB, a retired Royal Navy officer and supporter of the charity. The award was given to Winch Paramedic Carlton Real, and Winch Operator Jason Bibby for their courageous rescue of two people cut off by the rising tide at Bassets Cove, Portreath, Cornwall.
Ruth Cadbury, MP, Chair of the Transport Select Committee, said:
“The aviation sector powers our economy and provides secure jobs – and the Air League focuses on ensuring that young people get their foot on the ladder of starting a career as a pilot, or an engineer, or a drone operator. The work of the Air League is driving our future growth and ensuring that the UK’s rich aviation history continues into the rest of the twenty-first century and beyond.”
Sir Christopher Harper KBE, President of the Air League, said: “This reception is an annual highlight, not only for celebrating exceptional achievements in our industry, but also for bringing together the individuals and organisations who make the UK’s aviation and aerospace sectors the global leaders they are today.”
Janine Hornsby, Chief Executive Officer of the Air League, said:
“I was thrilled to be attending my first Air League Annual Reception following my appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Air League. The event is an excellent platform to celebrate the exceptional achievements of all recipients across the aviation and aerospace sectors, and there was no more fitting place to host this event than the House of Commons in Westminster.”
The event was generously sponsored by 2Excel, Millennium Point Trust, British Airways, and Bristow.
The Gold Medal
Air Commodore Tony Keeling OBE
Air Commodore Tony Keeling recently retired from the Royal Air Force after 37 years’ of service, culminating his remarkable career as Commandant of the Air Cadets. A former cadet himself, Tony led the organisation through the COVID pandemic and transformed it to better support young people in the contemporary era. Joining the RAF as an apprentice and leaving as an Air Officer and chartered engineer, he has consistently championed STEM education and mentorship for future aviators and engineers. His inspiration of them has been exceptional. For his outstanding service, his enduring impact on aviation and his pivotal contribution as a Trustee of the Air League, the President, Chair and Trustees recognise Tony with the Air League’s Gold Medal.
The Founders' Medal
Kerissa Khan
In her groundbreaking year as the Royal Aeronautical Society’s second female and youngest ever President, Kerissa Khan has elevated the organisation’s global profile. She advocated for women’s roles in aerospace and sustainability while inspiring youth through events like the Future of Flight conference and a number of brilliant STEM outreach activities. Her efforts resulted in the Royal Aeronautical Society engaging with thousands of young people in schools, colleges and on apprenticeships, she increased the Society’s membership by 10%, and has made a significant positive impact as an enthusiastic role model for youth and diversity in British aviation.
THE PRESIDENT'S AWARD
John Steel KC
John Steel is a distinguished Barrister widely recognised for his contributions to aviation, aerospace, and environmental law. He has represented diverse clients, including government bodies, and has been pivotal in landmark development cases for Heathrow and Gatwick airports. John’s influence extends to UK aviation policy where he advises the All-Party
Parliamentary Group on General Aviation. An active private pilot and member of the Royal Air Squadron, John was for a number of years the honorary legal adviser to the Air League. He was appointed Chair of the Air League and Board of Trustees in December 2017, and stepped down in 2024 after 7 years of unflinching service and transformational change.
THE COMPANIONSHIP MEDAL
Robert Pooley LVO MBE
Celebrated for his significant contribution to aviation and unwavering support for the Armed Forces and local communities, Robert Pooley founded Pooleys Flight Equipment in 1957, and Pooley Swords in 2005 to preserve this nation’s sword-making traditions. Robert began his career in the Royal Air Force and later at de Havilland, where he earned his pilot’s license. He enjoys strong links with the Armed Forces and supports the young people of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets in communities and schools across country. Robert Pooley has made an indelible mark on British aviation, creating the CRP-5 navigation computer, which is still part of the commercial pilot’s license test, and pioneered the widely used Pooley’s Flight Guide, which is now in its 6th decade.
THE SCOTT-FARNIE MEDAL
Robin Lipscombe MBE & Keirron Mascall
For the first time, this award has been presented to two recipients, in recognition of a combined 103 years working in aerospace engineering. Robin Lipscombe and Keirron Mascall began their careers as apprentices at Marshall, becoming the company’s stalwarts of apprentice training. They have delivered vital skills training to over 1,400 apprentices, earning a strong reputation for Marshall-trained technicians. The lasting influence of their collective dedication is reflected in the numerous successful professionals they’ve nurtured, leaving a significant legacy that will benefit the British aerospace industry for many years to come.
THE JEFFREY QUILL MEDAL
Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee
Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee is an aerospace engineer who is committed to promoting the engineering profession to young people, working hard to dispel outdated stereotypes of engineers. With a decade of experience in fast jet programs, she engages in various outreach activities, including interviews and panel events, creating online content to inspire future engineers. Selected as a Department for Transport Aviation Ambassador in 2023, she has worked to raise the profile of aviation, create new and improved career pathways, develop enhanced outreach activities and make training more financially accessible.
THE MARSHALL OF CAMBRIDGE MEDAL
Lucy Isabel Dakin-Scott
Lucy Isabel Dakin-Scott was inspired by the British Airways sponsored Soaring to Success programme and was awarded three Scholarships to support her in gaining her Private Pilot’s License in 2021. The same year, she was also awarded the Air League’s Evelyn Saunders Memorial Cup to recognise her unwavering dedication to progressing her flying career. Since then, Lucy split her time between her position as a Flight Attendant at easyJet, and supporting the Air League as the Marketing and Communications Manager. Working hard to inspire future aviators, Lucy’s commitment to the Air League is irrefutable: creating opportunities for young people through events and scholarships, and ensuring the Air League continues to provide the most beneficial programmes for the next generation. In 2025, Lucy will begin the next step in her aviation journey; joining the highly competitive British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy.
FRAMED ADDRESS
Group Captain Barry Dale RAF
Group Captain ‘Baz’ Dale took command of No 2 Flying Training School on 1 March 2019. In this role he became responsible for delivery of Air Cadet gliding from nine airfields. Through exceptional leadership, Baz rebuilt the gliding programme after
an extended break to recover airworthiness standards. He then deftly managed another pause generated by the COVID pandemic. In 2023, his organisation flew more than 5500 young people. Gliding is a vital component of the RAF Air Cadets’ offer and The Air League recognises Baz’s unbounded commitment to this crucial endeavour.
FRAMED ADDRESS
Sue Partridge
She has undertaken various leadership roles at Airbus, notably leading the A380 Wingbox team and overseeing wing development for the A320neo and A330neo Programmes. In 2017, Sue took charge of the Wing of Tomorrow Programme to advance wing technologies for future aircraft and support decarbonisation efforts. In April 2022, she also became Head of the Airbus Filton site, and from January 2024 added UK Country Manager to her amazing portfolio.
FRAMED ADDRESS
Balaji Srimoolonathan
Balaji has been Programme Director of the Aerospace Growth Partnership since November 2018, collaborating seamlessly with the Aerospace Growth Partnership Board and the UK Government to align initiatives with national priorities. His commitment to teamwork and adaptability to government changes has enhanced his reputation as a vital leader. Balaji’s strategic vision is essential for maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in the global aerospace landscape.
FRAMED ADDRESS
Kathan Dudhela
Kathan Dudhela achieved the accolade of being the UK’s youngest flying instructor at just 19 years old, and later, the youngest flying examiner in the world. Now, aged 23, he spends his time inspiring the next generation of aviators through his talks, seminars and volunteering across the grassroots aviation industry. Kathan’s dedication to inspiring, educating and supporting young people echoes the values of the Air League and his impact on the community is profound, breaking barriers and leading the way for young flying instructors.
FRAMED ADDRESS
Golam Morshed
The Air League has benefitted greatly from Golam’s approach, with his
detailed budgeting, first class auditing, and excellent understanding of
funding restrictions optimising the resources available for the Air League’s
charitable activities. His commitment to ethical practices and effective
financial oversight has made him a trusted advisor to successive Chief
Executives and the Board of Trustees.
For press enquiries and interviews, contact:
Lucy Isabel Dakin-Scott
Marketing and Communications Officer
The Air League
E: lucy.dakin-scott@airleague.co.uk
