The Air Cadet Charity is delighted to announce that its Director, Jess Gilbert, has been awarded the prestigious Jeffrey Quill Medal by The Air League.

The award was presented during The Air League's Annual Reception at the House of Lords, recognising Jess's outstanding contribution to supporting and inspiring young people through aviation.

Established in 1997, the Jeffrey Quill Medal is awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of air-mindedness in Britain's youth. The honour reflects the Air Cadet Charity's mission to remove financial barriers and ensure more young people can access life-changing opportunities through the RAF Air Cadets.

The medal was presented by Sir Chris Harper, President of The Air League, with the citation read by special guest Tim Peake CMG.

"Jess Gilbert is awarded the Jeffrey Quill Medal for her outstanding contribution to developing air-mindedness among Britain's youth. As CEO of the Air Cadet Charity, Jess has transformed the organisation, leading a successful rebrand and modernisation that has significantly raised its profile and reach. Through her leadership, substantial grant funding has been delivered nationally, benefiting tens of thousands of RAF Air Cadets. Achieved with a very small team, and marked by fairness, rigour, transparency and decisive leadership, Jess's work has strengthened opportunity, aspiration and access for young people across the UK."
Citation, read by Tim Peake CMG

A particularly special moment for Jess was meeting Sarah Quill, daughter of Jeffrey Quill, and hearing first-hand about her father's remarkable contribution to aviation.

Jeffrey Quill OBE AFC (1913–1996) was one of Britain's most distinguished test pilots and played a pivotal role in the development of the Supermarine Spitfire. As Supermarine's Chief Test Pilot, he flew and evaluated every major Spitfire variant, helping to refine one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history. In recognition of his contribution to aviation and youth development, The Air League established the Jeffrey Quill Medal in 1997 to honour individuals who have made a significant impact on inspiring the next generation through aviation and aerospace.

"While my name is on the citation, this recognition truly belongs to our phenomenal, small-but-mighty team at the Air Cadet Charity. I am incredibly fortunate to lead a team that brings such passion to widening access and opportunity for young people across the UK. A heartfelt thank you to Janine Hornsby (The Air League CEO) and everyone at The Air League for an unforgettable evening and for this immense honour."
Jess Gilbert, Director, Air Cadet Charity

The reception featured addresses from Janine Hornsby, CEO of The Air League; Kier Mather MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security; and Air Vice-Marshal Cab Townsend CBE, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, who highlighted the importance of enabling young people to develop the skills, ambition and experiences needed to support the future of aviation, aerospace and the wider UK economy.

“This is so richly deserved - I've seen first-hand the commitment, dedication, energy, enthusiasm, focus and compassion Jess has brought to the role. A massive and heartfelt thank you from the trustees, charity team and the tens of thousands of beneficiaries.”
Mark Osman, Chair of Trustees, Air Cadet Charity

The Air Cadet Charity extends its sincere thanks to The Air League for this recognition and for its continued commitment to helping young people discover, develop and pursue their ambitions through aviation and aerospace.