Passengers on an easyJet flight from London Luton Airport found themselves part of what is believed to be an aviation first when the airline received a Ministry of Defence award at 20,000 feet.
The certificate presentation took place onboard flight EZY637 from Luton to Jersey, which easyJet says is the highest-altitude award ceremony of its kind ever held. The event marked the airline being awarded Bronze status under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for its support of serving personnel, veterans and military families.
The flight was operated by Captain David Morgan, easyJet’s chief operating officer and Honorary Air Commodore of No. 622 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, alongside a former RAF test pilot serving as first officer.
Air Vice-Marshal Jo Lincoln, director of RAF Reserves, presented the award in front of passengers, crew and RAF personnel travelling on the aircraft during Armed Forces Week.
The recognition comes under the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which honours organisations that support the Armed Forces community and uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
easyJet, which has one of its largest UK bases at London Luton Airport, formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant and says it is committed to supporting veterans, reservists and military families across its workforce.
The airline employs former service personnel and reservists in a range of roles, including flight operations, engineering, digital, commercial and IT positions, and has established an internal veterans network to help members of the Armed Forces community transition into civilian careers.
Captain Morgan said: “We are honoured to be recognised with the Bronze Employer Recognition Scheme award, which reflects easyJet’s ongoing commitment to supporting those colleagues who serve or have served in the Armed Forces.
“As an airline, we recognise the unique skills, experience and dedication that veterans and Reservists bring to our organisation, and we are committed to ensuring they are supported to succeed.
“Marking this milestone with what we believe is the highest ever awarding of the certificate at 20,000 feet is a fitting tribute to the Armed Forces community as we head into Armed Forces Week, with a proud and memorable moment for both our crew and customers.”
Mark Frost, easyJet Cyber Threat Manager and a former Royal Marines Commando, said: “As a former Royal Marines Commando with 12 years’ service, I’m incredibly proud to co-chair and played a key role in establishing the Veterans and Reserve Forces Network.
“Over the past 12 months, we’ve built something truly meaningful—creating a supportive community, raising awareness, and strengthening connections across the organisation. Achieving Bronze accreditation under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme is a significant milestone, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting those who serve and have served.”
Veterans minister Calvin Bailey MP welcomed the award and highlighted the role played by reservists who balance military commitments with civilian careers.
He said: “Our reservists balance demanding civilian careers with a commitment to protecting the UK. Seeing Royal Air Force reservists pilot a commercial easyJet flight today is a brilliant demonstration of that dual role.
“I congratulate easyJet on receiving their Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award. When businesses back their staff to serve, the whole country benefits from a stronger and more secure military.”
The announcement was made on Reserves Day, part of Armed Forces Week, which celebrates the contribution of serving personnel, veterans and reservists across the UK.
For Luton Airport, where easyJet remains one of the largest operators, the award recognises the airline’s efforts to support members of the Armed Forces community while providing opportunities for veterans and reservists to build careers in the aviation industry.
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