The people who have served in the Armed Forces bring experience, professionalism and leadership that continue to make a valuable contribution to Gama Aviation. Supporting them, their families and the wider Armed Forces community has become an important part of who we are as an employer.

Today, we are proud to announce that Gama Aviation has been recognised with the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the highest badge of recognition presented to organisations demonstrating exceptional and sustained support for the Armed Forces community.

The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award recognises organisations whose commitment extends beyond signing the Armed Forces Covenant. It celebrates employers that actively support veterans, Reservists, military families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, while advocating for the Armed Forces community across their sector.

Gama Aviation is one of the organisations recognised in the Ministry of Defence’s 2026 Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award announcement. The national awards celebrate employers that have demonstrated exceptional and sustained support for the Armed Forces community, with Gold representing the scheme’s highest badge of recognition. This achievement places Gama Aviation alongside employers across the UK who are leading the way in supporting veterans, Reservists, military families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

For Gama Aviation, this recognition reflects far more than a set of policies. It recognises the culture we continue to build across our business, where military experience is respected, valued and recognised as an important contributor to our continued success.

Today, more than 16% of Gama Aviation’s UK workforce has a military connection, including 105 veterans, 11 Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and colleagues from military families. Their experience, professionalism and leadership continue to make an important contribution across every part of our organisation.

Mark Smith, Managing Director, Special Mission, said:

“Receiving the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is an achievement everyone at Gama Aviation can be proud of. It reflects a long-term commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and demonstrates the values that continue to shape our organisation.

Across Gama Aviation, we see first-hand the professionalism, leadership, and operational experience that veterans, Reservists and military families bring to our business. Their contribution strengthens our teams every day, and we remain committed to creating opportunities where those skills can continue to thrive.

While this award recognises the progress we have made, it also reinforces our responsibility to continue championing the Armed Forces community in the years ahead.”

What achieving Gold looks like in practice

Achieving ERS Gold reflects years of investment in creating meaningful opportunities for members of the Armed Forces community.

During 2025 alone, Gama Aviation welcomed 29 people with military backgrounds into the business, a significant increase from the previous year. Dedicated military recruitment pathways now support pilots and engineers as they transition their military qualifications into civilian careers, helping Service leavers build long-term futures within aviation.

Marwan Khalek, Group Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Receiving the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is something everyone at Gama Aviation can be proud of because it recognises far more than our policies. It reflects our people, our culture and the environment we continue to build together.

Those who have served in the Armed Forces bring exceptional skills, professionalism and leadership, and we are proud to support them as they transition into civilian careers and continue their professional development with Gama Aviation.

This award recognises the progress we have made, while reinforcing our commitment to continue supporting the Armed Forces community in the years ahead.”

Today, our support extends well beyond recruitment.

We provide up to ten days of additional paid leave each year for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers to undertake military training and service commitments. We actively support cadet organisations through work experience placements, careers guidance, sponsorship and volunteering initiatives, helping to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.

Our commitment also includes close partnerships with organisations such as the Career Transition Partnership, Forces Families Jobs, Troopr and Pathfinder International, alongside regular participation in military careers events, employer engagement programmes, Armed Forces Day activities and industry initiatives that promote opportunities for the Armed Forces community.

Supporting the Armed Forces community is embedded throughout our organisation. From celebrating the achievements of colleagues with military backgrounds, to championing veterans’ careers, supporting Reservists and encouraging volunteering, our commitment reflects the values that continue to shape Gama Aviation.

Our successful Gold Award application was further strengthened by letters of support from senior military leaders, industry partners and charitable organisations, recognising the positive impact Gama Aviation continues to make across the defence and aviation communities.

Looking ahead

Receiving the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is an important milestone, but it is not the destination.

We remain committed to building an organisation where veterans, Reservists, military families and the wider Armed Forces community are welcomed, supported, and given every opportunity to build long-term, rewarding careers.

If you are leaving the Armed Forces or are looking to continue your career with an organisation that values the experience, professionalism and leadership developed through military service, we encourage you to explore the opportunities available across Gama Aviation.

To learn more, visit our Careers pages, including our Armed Forces Covenant commitment and dedicated information for ex-military candidates.