Former Red Arrows chief engineer from Tregroes picked as Government Aviation Ambassador

Ross Priday, who grew up in Tregroes near Llandysul, has been named one of the Government’s new Aviation Ambassadors — a group of industry professionals tasked with getting young people excited about careers in engineering, flying and the wider aviation sector.

Priday, who once oversaw engineering for the world‑famous RAF aerobatic team, will now spend the next year visiting schools, colleges and events to promote the huge range of jobs available in aviation.

From Tregroes to the Red Arrows

Priday previously served as Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows, travelling the world with the team and managing the complex engineering that keeps the jets in the air.

He has since gone on to run his own aviation safety consultancy and has spoken internationally — including at the African Aviation Summit in Rwanda — about opening up the industry to under‑represented groups.

Speaking about his new ambassador role, he said he wanted young people to see aviation as a sector “full of opportunity”.

“Aviation gave me a career I could never have imagined, and I want others to see the incredible opportunities this industry offers,” he said. “Whether someone is fascinated by engineering, drawn to the skies as a pilot, or interested in roles like air traffic control, ground operations or aviation law, there truly is something for everyone.”

Government wants more young people in aviation

The Department for Transport says the ambassador programme is designed to boost skills, widen access and help build a future workforce for an industry facing major recruitment challenges.

Aviation Minister Keir Mather said the ambassadors would help “break down barriers” and show young people that “the sky really is the limit”.

The volunteers will give talks, run workshops and use social media to reach students, with a particular focus on areas where aviation careers are less visible.

Who else made the ambassador list?

The new cohort includes airport firefighters, airline operations bosses, outreach specialists and social‑media aviation influencers — including:

• Lauren Turner, who rose from airport security officer to Operations Director at East Midlands Airport
• Miguel Cabrera Vivas, known online as The Aviation Mentor
• David Gardner, a senior firefighter and medical lead at Luton Airport
• Sigourney Ansah, a future easyJet cadet pilot

They officially begin their roles on 28 January.

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