Professor Iain Gray CBE, Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University, has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2023, appointed Knight Batchelor for services to the aerospace industry. 

Iain spent his industry career at the highest levels in aerospace with roles at BAE Systems and Airbus. He became Director of Engineering, then Managing Director at Airbus UK and was the first Chief Executive of Innovate UK following its establishment in 2007.

Iain joined Cranfield University in 2015 as Director of Aerospace, continuing the university’s strong heritage in applied research and teaching for the aviation sector, and leading strategic relationships with the world’s major aerospace industry organisations.

He holds a number of NED positions, was previously a Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and is currently a Chair of the Board of Trustees for Aerospace Bristol. He was awarded a CBE in 2014 for his services towards innovation and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of Arts. He is also a member of the UK Jet Zero Council

Iain also chairs the Drone Industry Action Group. We are delighted to see that his accomplishments and capabilities have been recognised in this way.

Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, Professor Karen Holford CBE FREng said:

On behalf of everyone at Cranfield University I want to send the warmest congratulations to Iain on this honour. Iain is widely respected not just by his colleagues and students, but by those in industry, government and in international partnerships. His remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of aerospace and I know will continue to inspire future generations.

Professor Gray said: “I feel extremely honoured to be recognised in this way. I discovered my passion for aerospace and aviation at an early age through Concorde and it was after I completed my Engineering degree at Aberdeen University that I decided to pursue a career in aerospace.

“I feel enormously lucky to have had such a fulfilling career in this sector with the highlight being involved in the development of the Airbus A380. I have worked with some amazing people and thank all the talented and dedicated colleagues across industry, government and academia who have played such an important part in my career. In my current role at Cranfield it is a privilege to see the huge potential of the next generation coming through into the world of aviation and aerospace.

“It has been quite special to be part of the team at Cranfield building the next generation of capability and facilities under the banner of Cranfield Global Research Airport.”

Outstanding lifetime achievement honour

Iain was also recently appointed Companion of The Air League, a hugely prestigious industry honour in recognition of his outstanding lifetime achievements in the aerospace industry. He was presented with this award by Sir Chris Harper, President of The Air League’s on 14 June at Westminster Palace.

The Air League is the UK’s leading aviation, aerospace, and space charity. Companionship of the Air League is the League’s highest order for an individual and is the most appropriate form of recognition following outstanding achievements within aviation and aerospace over a lifetime.

Acknowledgments have flooded in to him from across industry:

Professor Graham Braithwaite: “Whenever I am at an event with him, I am reminded of his rockstar gravitas across the industry, but at the same time, he couldn’t be more humble. His wide-eyed enthusiasm for everything aerospace is absolutely electrifying – his love for the sector translates effortlessly into his optimism and creativity for what lies ahead.”

Sameer Samani: “Genuinely, I struggle to think of an aerospace and aviation champion who deserves this more. Many congratulations, Sir Ian – an amazing honour for a wonderful ambassador for our industry.”

Kevin Maher: “Congratulations Sir Iain! The influence you have goes even beyond the monumental work your have done for Aerospace in the UK. A lot of us under your “wing” went on to Automotive, the toy industry and others, your leadership style has influenced many for a lifetime. Hugely derserved honour.”

17 June 2023