easyJet awarded Bronze ERS status in Armed Forces Week flight

easyJet has been awarded Bronze status under the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, with the certificate presented during a commercial flight from London Luton to Jersey in what the airline believes to be the highest-altitude awarding of the recognition to date, according to easyJet.

The certificate was presented at 20,000 feet on board flight EZY637 by Air Vice-Marshal Jo Lincoln, Director of RAF Reserves. 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 First Officer who is a former Royal Air Force test pilot. According to easyJet, the timing of the presentation was designed to align with Armed Forces Week and with Reserves Day, the national occasion on 24 June dedicated to recognising the contribution of the Reserve Forces.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme is intended to encourage organisations to support defence and to inspire others to do the same. The scheme operates across three tiers, with Bronze, Silver and Gold awards available to employers who pledge, demonstrate and advocate support aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant. easyJet has previously signed the Covenant, the formal commitment between the nation, the Armed Forces and the wider community that sets out mutual obligations.

Captain David Morgan said the recognition reflected the airline’s ongoing commitment to colleagues with military backgrounds. “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,” he said, as quoted by easyJet. “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.”

Morgan added that the airborne ceremony carried particular significance. “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,” he said.

Mark Frost, easyJet’s Cyber Threat Manager and a former Royal Marines Commando, pointed to the work that had gone into building an internal community of veterans and reservists across the airline. “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,” he said. “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.”

Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey paid tribute to the dual role played by reservists, drawing on the example of a commercial flight operated by RAF reservists. “Our reservists balance demanding civilian careers with a commitment to protecting the UK,” he said, as quoted in easyJet’s release. “Seeing Royal Air Force reservists pilot a commercial easyJet flight today is a brilliant demonstration of that dual role.” He added: “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 flight comes during Armed Forces Week, the national campaign running from 22 to 27 June this year to build public understanding and support for the wider military community, including regular personnel, reserves, veterans, cadets and military families.

The aviation sector has long maintained particular ties to the military, with a steady flow of personnel moving between commercial and uniformed flying careers in both directions. easyJet has built up a veterans network within its workforce in recent years and operates across flight operations, engineering, digital, commercial and IT functions.