Chairman

Neil came to Aerobility following many years in Telecommunications and a short spell in The Royal Navy. A life-long aviation enthusiast, he took his first solo flight at the age of 17 and following a 'short' 34-year break, soloed again in 2019 thanks to Aerobility's disabled pilot training programme. 

Neil came to the charity in 2018 following a horrific motorcycle accident where he almost lost his life. Ending up with a profound disability; amongst other things, losing a leg and the use of his left arm. Neil was determined to fly again and despite the ‘naysayers’, he found Aerobility, earned his pilots wings in 2019 and won The Pooleys Aviator of the year Sword in 2021.

“…the sense of achievement was incredible and only possible because of the team at Aerobility and you know what? It’s not just about beating up clouds, which is cool, but, equally important is the community spirit that grabs you as soon as you walk in through the door and regardless of your disability, you're welcomed into our family. Up there, you're just another voice on the radio.” 

As trustee of the charity since 2019, Neil's life revolves around the charity, putting 'back-in' where he once 'took out.' His combined professional and lived-experience are unique at Aerobility and his passion for aviation is only surpassed by his belief that anyone with a disability can experience the freedom of flight and realise their full potential through that. 

"Whether Trustee, Employee or Volunteer our fantastic team at Aerobility is doing things that are without equal on a World stage. Aerobility has changed the lives of thousands of people, mine included, and I'm extremely proud to lead an organisation that takes so many people from their dark places to a places of empowerment, self-belief and happiness'

Neil lives in Berkshire, is a fluent Russian speaker and in his spare time, he indulges his passion for aviation by flying a Bulldog, retired military jets and radio controlled aircraft.

Al is currently a senior manager and commercial airline pilot in the UK having spent a career in aviation. He has gained a wide range of skills and knowledge through both the military and commercial airline worlds. 

Al joined the RAF in 1985, flying the F4 Phantom, later becoming a Hawk flying and tactics instructor. Al left the RAF after 10 years to become a commercial airline pilot and has held various training and management positions. 

He became involved with Aerobility through his work as a diversity sponsor and has supported Aerobility since first meeting and being moved by the work of Aerobility and inspirational CEO Mike. Al became a Trustee in 2013.  

Ben is the Group Communications Director at 2Excel Group, joining in 2019 to oversee all communications from media relations and public affairs to internal communications, branding and marketing. He previously led the aerospace and defence practice at a leading communications agency, advising and representing some of the biggest international brands in those industries, including Airbus. 

The former City News Editor and columnist at the Daily Mail, he had a 20-year career in journalism, during which he was regarded as one of the leading commentators on industry and technology. Ben is a passionate private pilot, flying a vintage de Havilland Chipmunk, and is an active member of numerous aviation organisations, including the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, the Air and Space Power Association and the Aviation Focus Group. He also advises several warbird operators on their communications and marketing. 

Christian is an experienced lawyer, company secretary and governance professional. He is currently a Deputy General Counsel and Senior Managing Director at Ankura, an international expert services and advisory firm where he oversees all legal, regulatory and company secretarial matters for its business operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.  

Prior to joining Ankura, Christian was Vice President of Legal Affairs to the Aviation Business Unit at Inmarsat (now part of Viasat) providing all legal support for the supply of in-flight broadband, cockpit voice and data, and safety services to airlines globally and working on projects including the European Aviation Network (the world’s first integrated S-band satellite and complementary LTE-based terrestrial network) and the European Space Agency funded Iris Programme (a new satellite-based air-ground communication system for Air Traffic Management). Christian is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. 

Christian became a trustee at Aerobility in 2024 having been impressed by the profound impact the charity has on people’s lives.

Fleur is a senior leader at Rolls-Royce with almost 20 years' experience in the Aerospace industry.  Currently working with the Civil Aerospace Leadership Team, Fleur has also held multiple roles within Rolls-Royce including Engineering, Programme Management, New Product Introduction and Customer Management.  Fleur brings this wealth of experience to the Aerobiility team, as well as experience in effective governance at C-suite level. 

Becoming a Trustee of Aerobility was a natural choice, Fleur has seen first hand how charities supporting those with disabilities have helped her own family members have opportunities thought previously not possible.  As a champion and advocate of inclusion across the industry, Fleur wants to continue to improve advocacy and open up further opportunities for people with disabilities to find employment within Aviation. 

Outside of work Fleur has two young children who keep her busy and also enjoys running and hopes to eventually gain her PPL! 

Jamie Smith has been an active Trustee of Aerobility since 2020 acting as the Trusteee Treasurer to provide financial input and advice to both the Board and Executive. Jamie has been in financial management his entire professional life, with a career in the world of corporate treasury and finance in a range of senior roles across a range of global multinational companies, finally with Smiths Group plc, the security and technology company. 

Since retirement in 2020, he has been active in the charity sector and has assisted four charities with their finances. Currently, in addition to his role with Aerobility, he is also Trustee and Treasurer of The Sea Watch Foundation, the Cetacean monitoring and UK Marine protection charity. Jamie lives in Berkshire, enjoys road cycling and has had a long private interest in the wider aviation sector including a private pilot’s license. 

Jon has held management posts in business development for global aerospace IT firms selling into Airlines, Air Forces and Tier 1 OEMs such as Boeing, Airbus and BAe Systems. 

Always enjoying charitable work, Jon raised significant funds through marathon running and organising major charity events for other national charities before 'finding his home' at Aerobility. 

Jon gained his PPL at 18, and enjoys flying formation aerobatics in his Yak 52. Jon Lives near Biggin Hill in Kent with his wife  Anna and their two girls, Katie and Rebecca. 

Originally from Manchester, Paul now lives in the Hampshire market town of Alresford. He is currently seconded, working full time for the UK Air Traffic Controllers union Prospect. Prospect membership consists of over 2,000 Air Traffic Controllers and as Chairman he represents their interests both in the UK and internationally. His day job is with NATS working as an Operational Watch Supervisor at The London Air Traffic Control Centre Swanwick. 

Paul first got involved with Aerobility when Prospect ATCOs branch organised the ‘Big Pull’ to raise over £100,000 for the purchase of our new Tecnam aircraft. 

He enjoyed the experience so much he became part of the team that organised the Guinness world record breaking Global Flight Simulator Challenge. He has been hooked in ever since. 

Away from work Paul likes fine wines, good food, good company and all things United. He would happily sit and watch the grass grow at Old Trafford.

Simon Warr is a member of the executive team at NATS, the UK’s main air navigation service provider, where he leads the communications, environment and community affairs teams. His connection with Aerobility dates back to the CEO charity of the year fundraising campaign at NATS in 2011/12, which provided funding for the charity’s TECNAM aircraft. 

Simon previously held senior communications positions in Ford of Europe, Mazda Motor Corporation, Jaguar Land Rover and Masdar, the renewable energy hub in Abu Dhabi. He worked in the Home Office and Overseas Development Administration as well as City of Westminster Council and originally trained as a journalist. 

He has lived and worked in Switzerland, Germany and Japan and speaks German and Arabic. As well as supporting Aerobility, he has served as Vice President of the Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and is a governor for a primary school in Oxfordshire. He is an alumni of Leeds University and City University and the University of Oxford Said Business School. 

Shona has been involved with Aerobility since its humble beginnings, when it had just one aeroplane with lots of keen and enthusiastic flyers and volunteers. She helped set up flight training at the charity and was previously our Chief Flying Instructor.  

Coming firmly from a family of aviators, Shona has been flying solo since she was at school, and in fact had her Private Pilot’s Licence before her driving licence. She works as a commercial airline pilot but is still very much involved with the General Aviation world, when she isn’t Captaining an Airbus around Europe she can usually be found on an airfield somewhere.  

Shona has a real passion for vintage aircraft, flying a wide variety of types. During the summer season she has the privilege of flying a beautifully restored Dragon Rapide, the classic 1940s airliner, for Scillonia Airways and really enjoys operating pleasure flights for the public at airshows. 

Shona is a proud mum to daughter Isla and son Ellis, who are often involved with fundraising events and enjoy the opportunity to regularly take to the skies. 

As the Chairman of Aerobility’s Board of Trustees, Shona helps to ensure the team deliver strong governance and strategic planning. She helps oversee flight operations and fundraising projects and brings a wealth of experience to the entire charity. 

Yvonne brings extensive experience in education, leadership and sport to her role as a trustee. Her career began as a physical education and mathematics teacher before progressing into senior management within the Further Education sector, where she led a highly successful Sport and Public Service department supporting approximately 1,000 students.

Alongside her professional career, she was deeply involved in basketball at both national and international levels. She served as England Team Manager for the U15 and U17 women’s teams and was one of only three women in the UK to referee Men’s Division 1 league basketball. She also officiated in men’s wheelchair basketball and organised international competitions involving England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

She has held a range of governance and community-focused roles, including working with Youth Offending Teams to support young people at risk and serving as Chair of Governors for two schools in the UK and Dubai.

Her involvement in aviation began through gliding, where she achieved a Gold and two Diamond awards and qualified as an instructor. She took particular pride in mentoring and supporting under-confident pilots to achieve their goals and progress to solo flying.

Following retirement, she became heavily involved with the British Gliding Association, serving as Junior Gliding Centre Officer, Women’s Advocate and Disability Advocate. Through her work as Disability Advocate, she developed strong links with Aerobility and is proud to support the charity as a trustee, helping to further its mission of enabling people with disabilities to fly.