Prestwick Branch: Beyond Net Zero - How Aviation Can Serve People and Planet

The January 2027 lecture promises to be interesting and inspirational, exploring aviation's role in sustainability and humanitarian impact. Aviation's sustainability challenge extends beyond reducing carbon emissions; it encompasses the positive impact aviation can have globally. Aviation for Good, a UK-registered charity, uses aviation to deliver humanitarian aid, medical assistance and disaster relief to isolated communities worldwide.

Rachel Gardner-Poole OBE FRAeS will explore how aviation can respond to the urgent need to decarbonise whilst continuing to connect people, support economies and reach communities where aircraft provide access to medical care, education, disaster relief and essential supplies. Drawing on practical examples, she will consider how collaboration, innovation and a stronger sense of purpose can help aviation become both more sustainable and a greater force for good.

Rachel is a senior aviation leader with extensive experience across sustainability, innovation and transformation. She has held leadership roles at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the UK Space Agency and previously chaired the UK Jet Zero Council Zero Emission Flight Delivery Group. As Director of Aviascia, Rachel helps major organisations navigate complex change, shape strategy and build consensus across stakeholders. She is also a Board Advisor to Astroscale, a Board member of the British Aviation Group and Chair of Aviation for Good. As a Chartered Mathematician, she previously held a commercial pilot licence and has won industry awards for her contribution. She was appointed an OBE in the King's Birthday Honours for services to aviation.