Pilot Honored with OBE for Driving Net Zero in Aviation

In a significant recognition of her pioneering efforts, Rachel Gardner-Poole, a pilot from Pewsey, Wiltshire, has been appointed an OBE in King Charles III's recent birthday honours. Gardner-Poole has been leading organizations working to achieve net zero in the aviation industry, as well as charities that deliver humanitarian aid overseas using light aircraft.

During a "really good conversation" with the King, Gardner-Poole discussed their shared passions for net zero and the King's involvement with several organizations she works for, including one that seeks to remove debris from outer space. Reflecting on her lifelong dream of working in aviation, Gardner-Poole said she has been determined to work in the sector since the age of six, when she became aware of the humanitarian charity Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).

Now, Gardner-Poole is working with colleagues to develop a new sustainable and inclusive flying school that will incorporate her commercial pilot's license. She is also the board member of MAF and has set up a new charity called Aviation For Good, which aims to harness more income from the aviation industry to support "humanitarian flying" that is a lifeline for millions of people around the world.