Our Story.
APUK is a registered not-for-profit charitable incorporated organisation by the Charity Commission in England with a mission to Build, Support and Unite the LGBTQ+ aviation community. Through our programmed and membership benefits we want to make aviation more inclusive, accessible and safe industry for all.
APUK's members and mission have existed since 2016. As an international affiliate of NGPA and EPAN, our mission and membership have grown stronger each year all around the world.
Our goal is not to be just an organisation, but a family that you can depend on to support and to celebrate with. Everyone is welcome and should feel at home. With so many benefits why not sign up today!
Our Team.
Our team is a dedicated working board focussing to grow the organisation and support the membership. All of us have benefited personally through this organisation and are excited to give back so that others can achieve their maximum potential and feel safe to be themselves in the aviation industry.
Board Chair
Will Robson
I've been a part of the group since its formation after receiving personal support and mentorship from one of our members. Being deep in the closet, I needed to see myself in the industry to know it was safe to come out. I am committed to creating a safe space for everyone to be themselves in aviation.
Board Trustee
Carl Hemming
I have recently qualified as a Private Pilot, a boy-hood dream like many of us, I just fly for fun. After seeing APUK at a flying event, I thought what a wonderful idea to meet like-minded aviators who have a common connection. I am based in Warwickshire and I am keen to help grow the group in the Midlands, particularly within the general aviation community.
Board Trustee
Debs Burman-Gisby
I've been in Aviation over 10 years, originally from ORD and moved to LHR in 2022. I've been a lifelong ally of the LGBTQ+ community, standing up against injustices alongside friends and family. It's never been more important to keep pushing forward and protect the progress made for all.
Board Trustee
Mike Caffrey
I became a proud member of the aviation community in 2000 when I enlisted in the Royal Air Force, just before the ban on LGBTQ+ personnel was lifted. Although the ban was removed, it took me years to feel comfortable being my true self. With each new role, I faced challenges in coming out again, and this was true in my move to civil aviation in 2012. Through APUK, I am committed to empowering the entire community to embrace their authentic identities in a safe and supportive environment.
Non-Executive Director
Chaten Oberoi-Morris
Chaten's connection to aviation is personal — he began his career as cabin crew with British Airways in 1996 and United Airlines in 1998, experiences that gave him a deep love for the industry and a clear-eyed view of the work still needed to make it truly inclusive.
Now a techno-functional consultant with over a decade leading digital transformation, Chaten brings both strategic expertise and lived experience to his role at Aviation Pride UK. He joined APUK because he believes the aviation sector — an industry he's devoted his career to — should be a place where everyone belongs, and he wants to help make that a reality.
