Judging Panel

An independent panel of recognised and expert judges, drawn from academia, business and broader related sectors will determine the winners of the Aviation Industry Awards UK.

We understand the importance of a fair and objective judging process. That's why we assemble a prestigious panel of industry leaders, renowned for their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise in the aviation industry.

Our selection process is meticulous. Judges are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and declare any potential conflicts of interest. Entries with conflicts are reassigned, ensuring complete impartiality.

A comprehensive judging process has been developed to decide the winners of the Aviation Industry Awards UK.

This unwavering commitment to integrity is the foundation of our awards programme. Become a part of recognising industry excellence. If you're interested in joining the judging panel, email your details to judges@businessriver.com

2024 Judging Panel

George Arbuckle

Senior Lecturer in Air Transport, University of West London

George is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Air Transport Management at the University of West London and was previously Overseas Airports Manager and Inflight Product Manager for Monarch Airlines. VIEW MORE

Sarah Barry

Director of Education for Aviation and Security, Buckinghamshire New University

Sarah has over 35 years experience in the aviation industry, from gliding, through helping to set up and run a flight school in the USA, to airline flying (A320/1, B737NG). Currently a Senior Lecturer she works at Buckinghamshire New University as Director of Education for Aviation and Security. VIEW MORE

Michael Bates

Lecturer, University of South Wales

Currently a Lecturer in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at the University of South Wales. Previously served in the Royal Air Force and worked in Saudi Arabia under the Al-Yamamah contract with BAE Systems. VIEW MORE

Oliver Clark

Aviation Journalist, Cirium

Oliver Clark is an experienced aviation journalist who has coveted the airline and aerospace industries for more than 15 years. VIEW MORE

Iain Dupère

Subject Group Lead for Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, De Montfort University

Iain Dupère is a seasoned professional in the pharmaceuticals and logistics industries. With extensive experience at UPS Healthcare and Marken, he excels in clinical supply chain management, logistics strategy, and global distribution. VIEW MORE

Naveed Kapadia

Senior Aviation Lecturer, Buckinghamshire New University

Naveed, a Senior Aviation Lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University, is an award-winning educator with 15+ years in global flight training and European airline operations, offering vast commercial and executive expertise. VIEW MORE

Andy McFarlane

Chief Executive Officer, Leading Edge Aviation

Andy McFarlane, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation, brings over 30 years of industry expertise to drive innovation and operational excellence. His visionary leadership has positioned the company at the forefront of aviation solutions. VIEW MORE

Stephanie Preston

Senior Lecturer & Programme Leader for Tourism and Aviation Management, University of Sunderland

Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the BSc Tourism and Aviation Management course at University of Sunderland VIEW MORE

Andrew Rae

Professor of Engineering, University of the Highlands and Islands

Andrew is an aircraft designer with experience on major projects for Airbus, Boeing, and Formula 1 teams. He now works predominantly in sustainable aviation, including as Chief Engineer in the UK for Ampaire and as co-creator of the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment in Northern Scotland. VIEW MORE

Justin Tooth

Managing Director, Certo Aerospace Ltd

Justin has been Managing Director of Certo Aerospace for six years and has overseen a change in the main thrust of the business so that Certo is now flight testing a unique and novel uncrewed coaxial helicopter called CAPSTONE UAV which can lift up to 300 kilograms of payload. VIEW MORE