We celebrated our tenth JET Annual Dinner on Thursday 4th June 2026 at the RAF Museum London, dining beneath the iconic Avro Lancaster alongside guests from our military, corporate, and volunteer networks across the country.
The JET Dinner is a key highlight in our fundraising calendar, offering a valuable opportunity to connect with supporters, reflect on the achievements of the past year, and look ahead to an exciting future for Blue Skies.
Air Vice-Marshal Mark Jackson opened the evening with a short but powerful message on why JET’s work is so vital for young people and guests then had the chance to network among the historic aircraft before moving to the historic hangar for the main event.
Once seated under the wings of the Lancaster, Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards took to the stage to celebrate what JET does best. He was joined by JET CEO Dr Alex Brown, JET Patron Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth and JET Chair of Trustees Tracie Coultas‑Pitman. Together, they highlighted that while potential is everywhere, opportunity is not, and that JET’s work opens doors to futures young people may never have imagined possible. This was seen through ‘Lacee’s Story’, a short video showcasing the impact JET has had on a young person in North Wales.
Thanks to our headline sponsor, Draken, guests were entertained with a challenge during the main course that tested their communication and leadership skills as they raced to complete an aircraft image. Each table held different pieces of the puzzle, meaning teams had to negotiate, barter and build connections with other tables to secure the parts they needed. It was a lively test of teamwork, clear communication and the confidence to approach new people – used previously with Blue Skies students!
The evening concluded with a celebration of those who give their time, heart and energy to our young people, going above and beyond to make our work possible. Presented by JET Founder and Trustee Dr Emma Royce (Egging), JET Youth Ambassador Josh Feathers and headline sponsor Draken CEO Dr Nic Anderson, we were delighted to announce the winners of our recognition awards:
Corporate Team of the Year – Winners:
British Airways & CAA
CAA and British Airways have been transformative national partners, enabling some of JET’s most ambitious work this year.
From delivering large-scale initiatives like the aviation roadshow, to stepping in at short notice with expertise and volunteers, their support reaches hundreds of young people and opens real pathways into aviation and airspace careers.
What stands out most is not just the scale of their contribution, but their willingness to go above and beyond – consistently finding ways to help young people see what is possible for their future.
Corporate Team of the Year – Runners up:
Northrop Grumman
Gordon Brothers
Military Team of the Year – Winners:
RAF Marham, East Anglia
RAF Marham are one of JET’s most committed and high‑impact partners, delivering an extraordinary volume of sessions and stepping in time and again to make sure no young person misses out.
Their leadership, consistency and willingness to go above and beyond – often at short notice – make them truly exceptional.
Military Team of the Year – Runners up:
RAF Cosford, West Midlands
RAF Valley, North Wales
Unsung Hero of the Year – Winners:
Sgt Louise Hartzenberg, RAF Brize Norton
Sgt Louise Hartzenberg has been the unwavering force behind JET at RAF Brize Norton, delivering flawless organisation and heartfelt commitment that keeps every programme running smoothly.
Unsung Hero of the Year – Runners up:
Phil Wiltshire – Rolls Royce
Simon Greenhalgh, RAF Valley
We want to share our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported JET and our young people, past and present, and a special thank you to all those who helped make the JET Annual Dinner 2026 such a memorable evening.
The event raised an outstanding £49,816. This amount provides vital funding for JET to continue supporting young people across the country to develop essential skills and access opportunities that enable them to build the strongest possible futures. Particular thanks go to our headline sponsor, Draken, for their generous support, as well as to all attendees, participants and auction bidders whose contributions made the night such a success.
