In this episode, I’m joined by Dave Edwards, Chief Executive of the Royal Aeronautical Society. We explore the challenges of keeping a 157 year-old organisation relevant in a changing digital world, while engaging younger generations and addressing environmental challenges.
The Royal Aeronautical Society is the only global organisation serving the entire aerospace, aviation and space community as both a Learned Society and a Professional Engineering Institution. Since 1866, it has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace, seeking to promote the highest professional standards and provide a central forum for sharing knowledge.
Dave started learning to fly aged 14, working at a flying school to pay for the lessons. After a Transport Management degree at the University of Plymouth, he moved into aircraft operations, handling business jets at London’s Luton and Heathrow Airports.
His career’s since taken him into C-Level roles in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, for one of the world’s largest business jet operators, and also into commercial airlines.
In 2013 he joined Qatar Airways as Executive Vice President, responsible for the airline’s charter flying and executive jet divisions. During his time with the airline he led the $1.5Bn fleet purchase program of Gulfstream G500 and G650ER business jet aircraft, becoming the first commercial operator of the types worldwide.
In 2018 he joined The Air Charter Association as CEO, taking it through a change of brand and strategy, into one of the more powerful trade associations representing global aircraft charter businesses.
In 2021 he was appointed as Chief Executive of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a 157-year old institution where he is responsible for implementing the Society’s strategy. As well as being an employee of the Society he has been a member since 1999, and Fellow since 2010.
Outside of work Dave is a trustee of Campaign for the Arts, a national campaign to make the arts accessible to all, he runs a little bit and sings a lot. He is a Freeman of the City of London as well as a Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots.
Dave Edwards