The UK Government has confirmed the next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors, who are selected each year to encourage young people to get into the aviation sector.
From 28th January 2026, ten industry professionals will promote jobs, skills and training in aviation by running workshops for primary, secondary and college students across England.
They will also use social media to reach a wider audience, bolstered by the selection of Miguel Cabrera Vivas, a London-based aviation influencer known as The Aviation Mentor and former Heathrow internal progression lead.
“There truly is something for everyone”
Among the cohort is a former Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows, Ross Priday.
He 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.
“Through my Aviation Ambassador role, I want to show people not just that these exciting careers exist, but exactly how to access them.”
The ambassador scheme was launched as part of the Generation Aviation programme, which seeks to build a talented aviation workforce through government and industry partnership.
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.”
“Opportunities for people from all walks of life”
Ambassadors will raise awareness of the wide range of career options within the industry, from ground handling and airfield safety, to commercial flying, customer service, and aviation law.
A particular focus will be placed on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who may not have previously considered a career in aviation.
Lauren Turner, Operations Director at East Midlands Airport and new Aviation Ambassador, 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.”
The full cohort of Aviation Ambassadors includes:
- Emma Garnham – Training and Compliance Director for DHL, a ground handler, based in London.
- Abdullah Bin Sajid Butt – Customer Operations Coordinator at Jet2, based in Leeds and Bradford.
- Ross Priday – CEO of a small business delivering aviation safety risk advisory services to industry. Previously served as Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows.
- Sigourney Ansah – Future cadet pilot for EasyJet, having previously worked in BA and Virgin Atlantic head offices. Based in London.
- Sam Higgins – Student outreach manager for British Airways, based in London.
- Ken Eckersall – Director of KenEck, a company which delivers aviation outreach to schools and colleges through portable flight simulators and FlightDeck PC. Based in Manchester.
- David Gardner – Aviation fire fighter 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 – Former Customer Service Manager at Heathrow, and runs ‘The Aviation Mentor’ social media channels (with 177k likes and 6k followers). Based in London.
- Marcus Sellars – Aviation Automation and digital transport integration lead at Tees Valley Combined Authority. Based in the North East.
