New funding will support equipment and three annual flying scholarships for young people across the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

GKN Aerospace has committed £28,000 to the Air Cadet Charity, helping more young people access practical experiences that build confidence, skills and ambition.

The support includes a one-off grant of £10,000 for adventure training equipment or flight simulation equipment, alongside £6,000 each year for three years to fund an annual 12-hour flying scholarship from 2026.

“At GKN Aerospace we are focussed on pushing new boundaries in aerospace and the future of flight. We are therefore delighted to support the Air Cadet Charity to help develop the next generation of aviation professionals. I was a cadet myself whilst at school and know first-hand how being involved can ignite a spark of enthusiasm that can become a lifelong passion and the foundation for personal development and rewarding careers. It is our pleasure to support such a worthwhile Charity that brings so much positive impact to so many young people.”
Peter Dilnot, CEO, GKN Aerospace

GKN Aerospace’s commitment reflects its strong links with the Armed Forces community and its ambition to encourage greater interest in aviation and aerospace among the next generation.

“We are hugely grateful to GKN Aerospace. This funding will help the Charity remove financial barriers and give more cadets access to adventurous training, flight simulation and flying opportunities. We look forward to seeing the lasting difference GKN Aerospace’s support will make to young people across the RAF Air Cadets.”
Jess Gilbert, Director, Air Cadet Charity.

The funding will strengthen areas at the heart of the RAF Air Cadet experience. Adventure training develops resilience, leadership and teamwork, while flight simulation and flying opportunities give cadets first-hand exposure to aviation and help turn interest into genuine ambition.

As a global aerospace business, GKN Aerospace brings a natural connection to the Charity’s work. Its support will help young people challenge themselves, broaden their horizons and explore the skills and careers that shape the aerospace sector.

"Many of us working in aerospace can point to a moment, an experience or a person that sparked our interest in aviation. The Air Cadets Organisation creates those opportunities for young people every day, so we're delighted at GKN Aerospace to support the Air Cadet Charity. Having had a fantastic time as an Air Cadet myself for many years I know personally what valuable experiences and life skills the Air Cadet organisation imparts."
John Hugall, Vice President Defence, GKN Aerospace

Representatives from the Air Cadet Charity and GKN Aerospace marked the new funding commitment with a cheque presentation at the National Air and Space Camp (NASC) Industry Day, providing a fitting backdrop for the partnership. The Air Cadet Charity is proud to be Prime Sponsor of NASC, which brings young people together with specialist aviation, engineering, space, cyber and STEM themes, alongside opportunities to meet leading aerospace employers and learn about future careers. GKN Aerospace also had a strong presence at the event, with employees engaging with cadets from the company’s trade stand, sharing insights into the aerospace industry and its career opportunities. With GKN Aerospace supporting the next generation of aviation talent, NASC was the ideal place to celebrate the donation and capture the occasion.

By removing financial barriers, the partnership between GKN Aerospace and the Air Cadet Charity will help more RAF Air Cadets access opportunities that turn ambition into action.

Dream.Dare. Do.