Chief Executive

Air Cdre Rich Jones CBE

Rich Jones joined the RAF in 1976 and flew the Phantom in the Air Defence role in the UK and Germany, attaining over 1500 hours as a fast jet navigator, combat instructor and flying supervisor. Converting to the Tornado Fighter variant in 1987, he flew over 850 hours in the UK and Falklands and on operations and in over 40 countries in Europe, North America and in the Middle and Far East.

Ground tours included personnel management, the Joint Services Defence College and in Ministry of Defence covering Air Defence policy and operational management of the Tornado F3 fleet. Returning to the cockpit in 1996, he commanded the Air Wing and Mount Pleasant Airfield in the Falklands, operating 12 aircraft of 6 different types. In 1998, he was Commander British Forces in the Gulf on Operation Desert Fox for which he was appointed CBE.

On his return to the UK, Rich commanded RAF Neatishead, which was the primary Radar Control and Reporting Centre for all UK airspace. This was followed by a year studying International Relations at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London. In 2002 and 2003, Rich led the operations teams at PJHQ Northwood dealing with operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After 6 months in Baghdad as the Deputy Senior British Military Representative working with the US and UK military and diplomatic missions, he became Commander of Maritime Air and Senior Air Adviser at the NATO Maritime HQ at Northwood.

Completing his final RAF tour in December 2007 as the Air Commodore Operations, Rich’s role encompassed planning and execution of all RAF flying operations in the UK and overseas. With responsibility for the RAF Flight Safety Organization, he was charged with developing the RAF-wide Flight Safety Management System. He was also a member of the MOD Aviation Regulatory and Safety Board and Chairman of the RAF Display Participation Committee which required him to authorize foreign single and multi-aircraft military air displays in the UK. He was also tasked to deliver the safe operation of UK airspace policing and fighter and advised commercial airlines on security and risks of flying operations in Iraqi and Afghanistan airspace and airfields.