UK Royal Aeronautical Society appoints David Edwards as CE

news

by Mike Stones

August 13, 2021

The UK Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) has appointed David Edwards as its new chief executive.

Edwards, formerly chief executive of the Air Charter Association (ASA), will take up his new role on September 20th. He will replace Sir Brian Burridge who is stepping down.

Before leading ASA during the Brexit transition and Covid-19 pandemic, Edwards worked as former executive vice president of Qatar Airways. He also spent 15 years with Gama Aviation, where he led the company’s expansion into the Middle and Far East, as well as serving on the group’s board.

Holding a a Private Pilot’s Licence since the age of 17, Edwards has been a member of the society since 1999 and was appointed a fellow in 2010. He was awarded a degree in Transport Management from the University of Plymouth.

“I am delighted to be joining the Royal Aeronautical Society at this challenging, but nonetheless exciting time,” said Edwards. “Sir Brian and the team have placed the society in a really strong position to embrace the collective knowledge of our membership and contribute to global debates on issues such as aviation’s contribution to climate change, the burgeoning space industry, supporting tomorrow’s aerospace professionals and promoting diversity.”

Current chief executive Burridge said Edwards is well-placed to progress the society’s ambition as a learned society in continuing to provide independent, evidence-based and authoritative thought leadership. “He also well understands the nature of engineering businesses and the challenges that they face,” added Burridge.

Martin Broadhurst, RAeS chair of the Trustees, welcomed Edwards as the “perfect choice” and paid tribute to his predecessor. “His time as chief executive was fraught due to Covid-19, but he led our society exceptionally well and brought his vast experience as a senior Royal Air Force and industry figure to bear in helping us make big strategic decisions and prepare us for the future. He leaves David an extremely well-run organisation to take over and one which is well prepared to play its part in the sector’s recovery and in promoting the vital contribution they make to wider society and the economy.”