Aerospace and Aviation Alumni Awards previous winners

Dwayne Lucas RCAF BGen (retd), PEng, OMM, CD2 (MSc Aircraft Design 1980)

Vice President - Special Projects at the Aerospace Industry Association of Canada (AIAC) 

BGen (retd) Dwayne Lucas is a highly influential and experienced aerospace leader. He has had an illustrious career in both the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Canadian civil aerospace industry.

Dwayne culminated his 35-year RCAF career, which included operational tours and headquarters roles, as the COS Personnel, Training and Support and the DG Aerospace Equipment which included the RCAF technical airworthiness authority. He was the VP of Americas for the Conseil International Sport Militaire (CISM) during this time.

Following his military career, Dwayne joined Cascade Aerospace as the EVP/COO where he helped transform the company into an accomplished engineering and maintenance operation. He then went on to focus on R&D in his role as the Western Director for the Consortium of Aerospace Research and Innovation Canada (CARIC) helping develop projects with industry. In 2019 he assumed his current role as Vice President – Special Projects for AIAC where he is focused on advancing Canada’s Aerospace Vision for the future. He also privately consults with several aerospace companies on strategy and business development.

Dwayne is a proud supporter and advocate of Cranfield University. In 2022, he supported a week-long visit of the PVC SATM and DoT Aerospace to Canada, opening doors to both academia and business organisations, demonstrating his influence and reinforcing his deep knowledge and strategic vision for the aerospace sector in Canada.

Edward Anastassacos (MSc Astronautics and Space Engineering 2014)

CEO and Co-founder at HeroTech8

Edward Anastassacos is a passionate and well-respected engineer who has worked on guidance, navigation and control systems for spacecraft and unmanned vehicles. He is at the forefront of drone technology.

As CEO and Co-founder, Edward leads business strategy and partnership development and fundraising activities for HeroTech8. HeroTech8 now have offices in UK, France and US and their drones are used all over the globe by border control, airport security, construction, police and emergency services. They have also conducted a trial over two days with Milton Keynes University Hospital transporting medical supplies across the hospital site from the Pathology Unit and Saxon Clinic. 

Edward has a diverse work experience across multiple industries. His career highlights include Airbus Defence and Space, where he worked as a Guidance, Navigation, and Control specialist, Blue Bear Systems Research Ltd working as a Systems Engineer, and at Transport Systems Catapult as a Senior Systems Engineer. 

His career achievements have also included leading a number of UK Government’s UAS programmes, managing the UK Drone Pathfinder and the Open UAS Traffic Management initiatives. 

Dr Peter Kearney (MSc Human Factors and Safety Assessment 2012, PhD in Transport Systems 2021)

Chief Executive Officer at AirNav Ireland

Dr Peter Kearney is a strategically focused aviation, safety and transportation executive who has an outstanding record of delivering top-line results while driving down cost and operational risks.

Prior to his current role, Peter was CEO of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) where he was responsible for ensuring that the IAA delivers a best-in-class service to its customers and stakeholders. 

As Director of ATM Operations and Strategy of the IAA between 2012 and 2018, Peter was responsible for all aspects of the IAA’s commercial Air Navigation Services Provider (ANSP) business. In this role, he ensured that the IAA continued to deliver a safe, high-quality service whilst also growing the IAA’s commercial revenue in a sustainable manner.

Peter places innovation at the core of his leadership, he was a key advocate of the IAA’s successful Remote Towers Project (which won the Single European Sky Award in 2017) and was heavily involved in Aireon, the IAA’s investment in the world’s first satellite-based air traffic surveillance system.

Peter’s work and academic background were acknowledged by EASA when he was asked to chair the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's (EASA’s) Air Traffic Controllers (ATCO) Plan Steering Group. The Steering Group is tasked with inputting into EASA’s deliberation on its ATCO Licensing Action Plan which has strategic objectives to improve flexibility on ATCO qualifications and licencing schemes, review operational needs, and the evolution of ATCO licencing. He has also been a panellist at the annual EASA Safety Conference. 

Emilia Apostu (MSc Air Transport Management 2019)

Regulations and Standards Specialist at TUI Airline Ground Operations

Emilia Apostu is a proactive safety professional cited for her unwavering passion and enthusiasm, as well as her dedication to getting the work done in the best possible way.

Emilia worked as an intern within a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation in her home country of Romania and in the highly prestigious role of Strategy and Safety Management graduate trainee for the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Cologne prior to studying at Cranfield University.

After leaving Cranfield, Emilia joined Virgin Atlantic as a Corporate Safety Analyst and was subsequently promoted to Specialist – Safety Data and Management Systems Development. In September 2021, she was appointed as the Aviation and Corporate Safety Risk Manager for
Volocopter GmbH – a German aircraft manufacturer which specialises in the design of electric multirotor helicopters in the form of personal air vehicles, designed for air taxi use before joining TUI as a Ground Operations Regulations and Standards Specialist.

Emilia continues to support Cranfield through the delivery of inspirational guest lectures and is active in volunteering – she has been Programme Director for the Bucharest branch of Soroptimist International of Europe, an organisation devoted to eliminating violence against women and girls and ensuring women’s participation in conflict resolution.

Scott McLarty FRAeS MCIPD (Fellowship in Aerospace Manufacturing Management 1993)

Senior Vice President of Airbus & Business Jet Programs, Spirit AeroSystems

Scott McLarty is the Senior Vice President of Airbus & Business Jet Programs at Spirit  AeroSystems, which is one of the world’s largest designers and manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial aircraft, defence platforms, and business/regional jets. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, USA, Spirit employs over 16,000 people in skilled and professional positions across 10 global locations, including over 4,100 in the UK.

Scott completed a Fellowship in Aerospace Manufacturing Management in 1993 at Cranfield University and holds a PPL (H) private pilot license. He is also a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel Development (FCIPD) and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS).

Scott is influential within the industry and its supporting bodies through various roles he holds including as a Board Member of the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP), serving as Vice Chair of the Scottish Government’s Enterprise and Skills Strategic Board, and as a Global Scot mentor for Small to Medium Enterprises.

Over his 30-year career in Aerospace, Scott has held various leadership roles across Operations, Project Management, Supply Chain, Quality, Business Improvement, Strategy, and HR. He has worked with many customers on development and recurring programs, including Boeing, Airbus, Hawker, BAE Regional Aircraft, and military programs such as the Harrier and Hawk at BAE military sites.

Commenting on the award, Scott said: "I'm delighted to have received this honour, particularly given the achievements by my alumni peers who have been award recipients over the years.  I’ve been fortunate, and honoured, to be able to contribute to and help shape such an exciting industry, particularly as we transition to a new era of flight and a net zero future.”  

Ziad Jreijiri (MSc Aerospace Vehicle Design 2015)

Co-founder and CEO, Oreyeon LDA

Ziad Jreijiri is the Co-founder and CEO of Oreyeon LDA, a start-up developing solutions to enable the aerospace industry to optimize its security using artificial intelligence.

Ziad completed his bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2014 at the University of Balamand in El-Koura, Lebanon before attending Cranfield University to complete his MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design degree in 2015. Ziad has also completed an Immersive Entrepreneurship Program at Draper University in 2019.

Ziad returned to the University of Balamand as a lecturer, delivering modules covering Aerodynamics, Aircraft Structures, Aeroplane Systems, Materials, Hardware, and Maintenance Practices, as well as visiting the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi in Vietnam, delivering modules on Aeronautics as a joint project between Airbus and Vietnam Airlines.

Prior to this, Ziad joined a young start-up company working on EVTOL UAVs (fixed wing) and discovered his passion for aviation and entrepreneurship. Ziad found enjoyment in fast-moving environments and wondered why the aviation industry was slow to adopt deep technology solutions. To address this gap in the market, he co-founded Oreyeon in 2019 which has continued to grow over the years to a team of almost 40 people with Tier 1 customers worldwide.

Ziad said: "For years since I graduated, every time I told someone I'm a Cranfield alumnus and saw their reactions, it gave me a sense of pride to see and hear what they had to say about Cranfield University. It feels to be recognised by the same institution that has given so much to its students and alumni, and for me, to be able to pay it forward in little ways."

Samer Majali (MSc Air Transport Management 1983)

President and Chief Executive, Royal Jordanian Airlines

Samer Majali is the President and Chief Executive at Royal Jordanian Airlines, a leading global airline with a fleet of more than 20 modern aircraft, and a diverse network of more than 40 destinations spread across four continents.

Samer completed his BS Aeronautical Engineering and Design Diploma in Industrial Studies in 1979 at Loughborough University, UK followed by an MSc in Air Transport Management degree in 1983 at Cranfield University. 

He is an influential leader in the aviation industry and is a member of multiple associations including, the Engineers Association of Jordan, the Board of Trustees at King Hussein Cancer Foundation, and a member of the Executive Committee for the Arab Air Carriers Organisation AACO. Samer is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and is a Chartered Engineer, awarded by The Engineering Council UK. 

Samer started his career with Royal Jordanian in 2001, working with the Board of Directors to restructure the airline (post 9/11) to improve its competitiveness, reliance on government support, and introduced a quality customer service focus. This returned the airline to profitability from 2004 onwards. Samer went on to achieve the status to be the first Arab and Middle Eastern Carrier to join the leading global alliance; OneWorld in March 2007, and led the IPO roadshow with CitiGroup, presenting to over fifty potential investors, resulting in the first true and successful IPO of a flag carrier in the Middle East in December 2007. 

Samer has held CEO positions in other airlines such as Gulf Air, Oman Air, and SaudiGulf Airlines. His impact in these positions involved, reconstructing Gulf Air and Oman Air by designing a new vision and strategy for the airlines to improve financial performance. At SaudiGulf he successfully headed the greenfield project of setting up a new airline in Saudi Arabia in 2013, until it commenced domestic operations in 2016 with four new A320 aircraft based in Dammam. As a result, Samer obtained IOSA certification and IATA membership in record time for a start-up. 

Alice Ferrari (MSc Air Transport Management 2013)

CEO and Co-Founder, Kyte

Alice Ferrari is the CEO and Co-founder of Kyte, a new API technology platform for airline retailing. 

Alice completed a degree in Maritime and Transport Economics at the Universita di Genova, Italy, followed by an MSc in Air Transport Management in 2013 at Cranfield University.

Alice is very passionate about bringing solutions to the industry that can help airlines develop the way they present the flight booking experience and better engage with customers. Alice has spent her entire professional life working in the airline industry, starting her career at easyJet in 2013 in the Crew Planning team, Alice worked on developing the company’s Regulatory Flight Time Limitations strategy in operations to improve crew efficiency. This involved performing risk assessments, identifying root causes of crew fatigue, and applying appropriate corrective actions. In 2014, Alice moved on to an Operations Executive role within easyJet to improve operational performance, enhance the customer experience, and drive collaboration between operations and other key areas of the business.

Alice became an Aviation Consultant in 2017 working alongside Nyras partners and Senior Associates on projects for airlines, airports, and aviation service providers worldwide, before developing travel technology start-ups for Founders Factory, easyJet's partner venture studio. 

Alice said: "When I arrived at Cranfield in 2012 to start my course I had great aspirations for my career. I still couldn’t believe I had got there and was eager to start and work hard, motivated by the drive to make a difference in the industry. I always knew I wanted to make a direct contribution to the development of the airline world. That motivation and dream still exists and whilst I know there is a long way ahead of me to pursue that goal, I’m so honoured to receive such an early recognition of my efforts with my business, Kyte, a new distribution and retailing software solution on a mission to give airlines the right tool to become modern retailers and engage with the digitally savvy customer of today."

Chris Gear (MSc Aircraft Design 1984)

Project Director, FlyZero for the ATI

Chris has a wealth of experience in the aerospace industry, having led major strategic projects, including in the areas of disruptive and novel technologies. He was Chief Technology Officer for GKN Aerospace from 2014 to 2019 and ran the Global Technology Department for the engineering group. Prior to that, as Vice President & Chief Engineer of GKN Aerospace, Chris led the engineering and technology team on several major projects A350 Rear Spar, A400M Front & Rear Spar and numerous composite airframe components.

Chris began his career as a Graduate Apprentice with Dowty Group Services, before taking on engineering and management roles within the industry. His experience covers many facets of the FlyZero programme - from design and research, to manufacturing process development, operational costs, product strategies and airworthiness. He graduated from Cranfield Institute of Technology with an MSc in Aircraft Design in 1984 and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Visiting Professor for Bath University with the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Dr Siti Juita Mastura Binti Mohd Saleh (PhD Aerospace Vehicle Design 2016)

Senior Lecturer, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

In a complex-ridden aerospace industry dominated by men, Dr Siti Juita Mastura Mohd Saleh is one of the women who is at the forefront of its development. She is currently a lecturer in the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), a tenured position held since she was awarded a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield University in 2016.

Siti was one of the first female Malaysian's to be certified with a professional drone pilot license, RePL, by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia, and her illustrious career with drones began with the development of an Autonomous Parcel Drone for Pos Malaysia. Reflecting on the opportunities that come with the advancement of drone technology, Siti's interest branched towards the development of autonomous agricultural drones, and the experience and background she gained in Aircraft Structure during her PhD led to her appointment as the Head of Structure Unit for Malaysia’s biggest Cargo Drone Project.

Siti is involved as a lead consultant in many projects at national level, such as supporting the National TVET Agenda for Aerospace and Automotive Industries with the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia. Her understanding of the importance of education and human capital development has also led to Siti supporting the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia in promoting safety management in the Aerospace Industry. In addition, as a co-founder of the UTHM spin-off company known as Avitex Solution, she has conducted numerous training programmes for government agencies and industries on drone operation safety.

Siti is passionate about promoting equality in experiencing the technology, which has led to her running community engagement programmes in conjunction with Youth With Disabilities and Aborigines.

Liz Savage (MSc Air Transport Management 1995)

Non-Executive Director

Liz continues to enjoy a fascinating & fulfilling career in aviation, travel & tourism, with 25-years’ experience in senior executive and non-executive Director roles in the industry.

After graduating as an aeronautical engineer (Bristol Uni), Liz complemented her technical studies with a Masters in Air Transport Management at Cranfield, setting her path into commercial aviation.

After a first role in airfield operations at Manchester Airport, Liz joined low cost airline easyJet in its start up phase and became Business Development Director at the age of 28. In its first decade of operations, easyJet changed the face of air travel in Europe.

“I didn’t realise it at the time, but we were growing so fast, I experienced more in those ten years at easyJet than many people do in a whole career!”

Liz then led significant business change at Monarch Travel Group as Managing Director of the travel company’s direct to consumer airline, modernising the business model to meet a changing market. In 2008, Liz’s leadership was recognised, being voted British Travel Industry Young Manager of the Year and as one of the Sunday Times 35 Business Women Under 35.

An exciting opportunity led Liz to relocate with her partner to Australia to become Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Blue, during its early-stage transformation from low-cost carrier to a more premium Virgin Australia.  Liz held accountability for the Group’s $3.5bn global revenue and customer-facing functions including sales, marketing, pricing, loyalty scheme and guest contact centres.

Liz continues to enjoy life in Australia and has transitioned to being a full time Non-Executive Director, broadening her work to include businesses in tourism & hospitality, whilst retaining aviation and travel at the core of her portfolio.

“I’m particularly passionate about purpose-led leadership, customer centricity and tackling the sustainability challenges the industry faces”.

Liz’s current directorships include Auckland Airport (NZ), North Queensland Airports and Intrepid Travel. She has previously been a director of Mantra Hotels, Swissport ANZ, Brisbane Marketing and Triathlon Australia. She is currently Chair of the Industry panel, guiding the Queensland Government’s Covid-19 Tourism Recovery Plan.

“My studies at Cranfield were instrumental as a launchpad for a dynamic, challenging & stimulating career in aviation that I continue to enjoy. I’m honored to be receiving this award amongst such high achieving peers in an industry which is so very vital - thank you!”.

Dr Camille Burban (MSc Human Factors and Safety Assessments in Aeronautics 2012, PhD Transport Systems 2016

Aviation Safety Manager, TUI Airways

Camille started her Aviation journey with a Mechatronics Engineering degree in Valenciennes, France, before joining Cranfield in 2011 where she completed her MSc in Human Factors and Safety Assessment in Aviation and, following this, her PhD focused on Human Factors in Air Accident Investigation.

Her research supported the development of the human factors capability at the UK AAIB. Her passion for aviation safety and human factors was later pursued at Clockwork Research, a consultancy specialising in fatigue management based in London. She then stepped into an Operational Safety Officer role at Eastern Airways, before Joining Flybe in 2019 as Safety Manager.
Since May 2020, Cam is the Aviation Safety Manager at TUI Airways, based in Luton. Her achievements to date include, alongside the teams at TUI, securing the return to service of the 737 MAX in the UK and ensuring a safe restart to international air travel following the COVID 19-crisis.

Camille’s expertise helps bridge the gap between academia and industry by translating and applying tools from the research world into an airline environment. Since she left Cranfield, Cam has continued to give guest lectures and support students for both MSc and professional short courses in the Centre for Safety and Accident Investigation and the Centre for Air Transport Management at Cranfield University.

Dr Sarah Qureshi (PhD Aerospace 2016)

CEO & Co-founder Aero Engine Craft Private Limited
Visiting Academic, Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University

Dr Sarah Qureshi is commercialising her PhD research on Contrail-free Aero-engines as the CEO and co-founder of Aero Engine Craft (Private) Limited. She is also a Visiting Academic at the Centre for Propulsion Engineering at Cranfield University, working with the research group on “pro-environment jet engines”.

Sarah obtained a PhD degree in Aerospace Propulsion under the supervision of Professor Pericles Pilidis on a thesis entitled “Contrail-free Aero-engines” whereby she researched the development of an environment-friendly aero-engine, which was derived from a novel patented technology. During her initial PhD research, Sarah assisted the inventor with patenting the contrail-free aero-engine. The invention has been granted two international patents and has tremendous potential in bringing about an environmental revolution in the context of aviation.

Dr Sarah Qureshi, along with the inventor of the technology, Mr. Masood Latif Qureshi, has now set up Aero Engine Craft (Private) Limited, as Pakistan’s first commercial aero- engine R&D company to convert this patented technology into a full-scale application for the global aviation industry. Prior to this, Sarah completed her MRes degree in Aerospace Dynamics at Cranfield University with Dr James Whidborne. Her research involved the design of an autopilot for unmanned aircraft (UAVs) in formation flying for mid-air refuelling.

She has recently co-invented and filed a patent for a supersonic commercial aircraft engine. Sarah is a licensed pilot and learned acrobatic flying with flight instructor Richard Rogers while at Cranfield. Prior to her postgraduate studies at Cranfield, Sarah graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from Pakistan and gained work experience in the local industry. 

You can also watch a video introducing Sarah below:

Marcos Acín González (MSc Aerospace Vehicle Design 2014)

Stress Analysis Expert, NASA AMES Research Center

Marcos Acín González grew up in Leon, Spain, and went on to study Aerospace Engineering in Madrid, Valencia, and ultimately Cranfield.  At Cranfield University Marcos studied an MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design (2013-2014) as part of the Erasmus European Partnership Programme.

Following the completion of his studies, he was awarded a National Award for Excellence in Academic Performance by the Spanish Minister of Science, former astronaut Pedro Duque. The Airbus Group, University of Valencia, and the regional government of Valencia also recognised Marcos’ outstanding academic performance.

Since graduation, Marcos has worked for several engineering companies around the world including Strand7, Rolls-Royce, Applus IDIADA and NASA. Marcos’ main expertise is in Structural Analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for product development and innovation. During his time at Rolls-Royce he contributed to the development of the Ultrafan engine, the next generation in aircraft engine technology. At Applus IDIADA he specialised in car crashworthiness and occupant safety working for top OEM automotive companies. Most recently, within the NASA Advanced Supercomputing department based at AMES Research Centre in Silicon Valley, he has been researching and developing new thermal protection materials for atmospheric re-entry missions.

Currently, he is pursuing an Executive MBA to expand his business acumen and make further progress in his career.

Adel Al Redha (MSc Air Transport Management 1997)

Chief Operating Officer, Emirates Airline

Adel Al Redha is at the helm of Emirates’ operations, both in Dubai and across the airline’s vast network of nearly 160 destinations in 85 countries. He has been in his current leadership role since 2013.

He leads teams that play an integral role in supporting Emirates flights and serving customers across the globe. Adel oversees flight operations; engineering; airport services; service delivery - including catering operations, inflight entertainment, and cabin crew; the Emirates Flight Training Academy; aircraft procurement; as well as worldwide network operations including crisis response.

Adel champions the integration of technology in all operational aspects, which has led to enhanced safety, improved efficiencies across the business, and a better customer experience. He has been instrumental in introducing initiatives and processes that enhance Emirates’ product offering onboard and on the ground. 

Adel had also initiated the introduction of National Development programmes that provide career paths for UAE national youth in aviation, and he continues to drive improvements in the working environment for all staff while keeping safety and standards at the core of all operations.

Future Travel Experience’s Airline Passenger Experience Power List ranked Adel as one of the top 5 global airline executives for his leadership in directing the airline’s consistent delivery of superior services on the ground and in the air.

In a career that started in 1988 at Emirates and now span over 30 years, he has held several senior management roles, including the procurement of aircraft and services.

Adel completed his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology/Aircraft Maintenance from the University of Northrop, USA. He holds a Master’s in Air Transport from Cranfield University, UK, and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Artūrs Saveljevs (Executive MSc Airport Planning and Management 2015)

Member of the Board, Riga International Airport 

Artūrs began his aviation career in 2003 when he joined Riga International Airport Operations. In 2005, he was appointed the Non-Aviation Marketing Manager and later the Director of the Marketing Department. He assumed the role of the Director of the Commercial Department in 2007 becoming responsible for the airport’s non-aviation commercial activities and in September 2017 he joined the Management Board of Riga Airport currently being responsible for all airport’s commercial activities and marketing.

He holds a Master’s degree in Airport Planning and Management from Cranfield University and Master’s degree in International Economics from the University of Latvia. He is also a member of the ACI Europe Commercial Forum where he heads Airport city/Real estate task force and is a Lecturer in Aviation Management at the Transport and Telecommunication Institute in Riga.

Artūrs is a frequent speaker on airport commercial development at various local and global industry events. He is also active in the local community by counselling regional municipality on business development at the Business Advisory Council of Marupe Municipality.

In his free time, Artūrs enjoys travelling with his family, playing tennis and supporting the local aviation community.