Marvin Onumonu10 new aviation ambassadors have been appointed to help get more young people into aviation jobs across the UK.
The cohort includes a former Red Arrows chief engineer, operations director of East Midlands Airport, and other professionals from roles including firefighting, compliance, and automation.
They start this month and will visit schools, run workshops, and use social media to highlight the range of jobs available from ground handling and airfield safety to commercial flying and aviation law.
Aviation Minister Keir Mather said: “Aviation is full of exciting opportunities and fulfilling career paths and we’re determined to encourage more young people to see the sector as a place where they can thrive and build rewarding, long-term futures.
“Our aviation ambassadors are key to making that happen – sharing their own journeys, helping to break down barriers and showing the sky really is the limit.
“By broadening horizons, we’re helping to secure the future of UK aviation while delivering regional growth, jobs and skills.”
The ambassadors’ role includes encouraging young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who might not have considered aviation before.
Ross Priday, former chief engineer for the Red Arrows, said: “Aviation gave me a career I could never have imagined, and I want others to see the incredible opportunities this industry offers.
“Whether someone is fascinated by engineering, drawn to the skies as a pilot, or interested in roles like air traffic control, ground operations or aviation law and insurance, there truly is something for everyone.
“What’s exciting is that there are so many ways in. School leavers, apprentices, graduates, and those looking for a change from other industries can all find their path into aviation.”
Priday added: “Through my aviation ambassador role, I want to show people not just that these exciting careers exist, but exactly how to access them.”
Lauren Turner, operations director at East Midlands Airport, said: “I’m proud and excited to be an aviation ambassador and to share my journey at East Midlands Airport.
“Aviation is an innovative, fast-moving industry with opportunities for people from all walks of life, and I hope that by sharing my personal career story, I can encourage young people across the region to see it as a career where they can thrive and grow.”
Alice Goodwin, former aviation ambassador, said: “Congratulations to the new cohort of aviation ambassadors! This programme is a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to inspire the next generation, showcase the diverse careers aviation offers, and champion the sector as role models.
“By engaging with schools, speaking at events, and sharing their passion, these ambassadors will play a vital role in closing the aviation skills gap and shaping the future of this exciting industry.”
Karen Dee, CEO of Airports UK, said: “Airports and aviation offer a wealth of excellent career opportunities, and it is great to see the next set of sector ambassadors have been appointed to help inspire the next generation.
“Jobs in this sector will not only provide young people with fulfilling and highly skilled careers but will directly contribute to growing the UK economy and help keep our friends, families and businesses connected with the world.
“We wish the new ambassadors the best of luck with their new responsibilities and look forward to exploring how we can work with them to increase awareness of the chances offered by aviation.”
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: “Airlines UK welcomes the appointment of the new aviation ambassadors.
“Our world-class sector depends on a steady pipeline of skilled young people choosing careers in aviation, and this programme plays a practical role in highlighting the varied and exciting range of careers available.
“By connecting real aviation businesses with schools and colleges, the scheme supports growth, resilience, and the future competitiveness of our fantastic industry.”
The new ambassadors are Emma Garnham, training and compliance director for DHL based in London; Abdullah Bin Sajid Butt, customer operations coordinator at Jet2.com, based in Bradford; Ross Priday, CEO of a business delivering aviation safety risk advisory services, based in Wales; Sigourney Ansah, aspiring commercial pilot, based in London; Sam Higgins, student outreach manager for British Airways, based in London; Ken Eckersall, director of KenEck, based in Wigan; David Gardner, aviation firefighter and medical lead for Luton Airport’s first responder scheme, based in Luton; Lauren Turner, operations director at East Midlands Airport, based in the Midlands; Miguel Cabrera Vivas, aviation influencer, based in London; and Marcus Sellars, aviation automation and digital transport integration lead at Tees Valley Combined Authority, based in the North.
