On 1 June 2026, Aerobility welcomed volunteers, staff, friends and family, together with local MP Alex Brewer, to mark the charity receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). The presentation of the crystal award and certificate signed by HM The King was made by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mr Nigel Atkinson.

Often described as the “MBE for volunteer groups,” the King’s Award recognises outstanding contributions made by volunteers to their communities, and is the highest honour awarded to local voluntary groups in the UK.

Aerobility is a Hampshire based charity operating across four UK bases, dedicated to transforming lives through aviation. By enabling people with disabilities to experience the magic of flight, the organisation delivers adapted flying experiences, virtual simulators, classroom sessions, and funded programmes to support disabled people of all ages. Through this work, Aerobility harnesses the powerful and often life changing impact aviation can have, often leading users to ask themselves, “If I can fly an aeroplane, what else can I do?”

“Aerobility volunteers really do change lives because they embody a ‘can do’ attitude,” said Phil Austen Jones, an Aerobility volunteer and flyer. “They remove limitations for disabled people, providing the support and instruction needed for real achievement. Beyond delivering activities, they inspire belief, independence and aspiration. This award is truly deserved.”

For Richard Cook, whose teenage daughter flies with Aerobility, the impact has been deeply personal. He describes flying as having “therapeutic benefits,” helping to restore her confidence, self-worth and motivation. “As parents watching on, the charity’s support has extended to us as well,” he said. “Aerobility’s power is infectious.” Inspired by his daughter’s experience, Richard now volunteers with the charity, helping others benefit from the same transformative opportunities.

Mike Miller Smith MBE, Chief Executive of Aerobility, said “It is an incredible honour for our volunteers to receive this award, appropriately during Volunteers’ Week. Contributing around £20 bn per annum to the UK economy, the voluntary sector plays an important role. Aerobility is powered by the dedication of its volunteers. They are embedded in everything we do, from flying instruction and education programmes to fundraising, advocacy and even site maintenance. We simply would not be the charity we are without them. We are proud that their work, enabling the disabled community to access the magic of flight, has been recognised in such a prestigious way.”

L-R: HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mr Nigel Atkinson

of Trustees, Aerobility.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mr Nigel Atkinson

congratulates Mike Miller Smith MBE, CEO Aerobility (right)

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)

About Aerobility

Aerobility is an aviation charity that changes lives by supporting people with disabilities to experience the magic of flight and participate in aviation-based activities. The organisation focuses on three core pillars: Flying, Education, and Advocacy, all with the goal of making aviation more accessible. Through adapted aircraft, virtual flight simulators, classroom sessions, funded programmes, and more, Aerobility harnesses the positive and often powerful impact aviation can have on people living with disabilities. Made up of dedicated volunteers and staff and operating across four UK bases, the charity encourages disabled individuals to ask themselves, “If I can fly an aeroplane, what else can I do?”

Links:

• • Aerobility website: www.aerobility.com