Menzies Aviation has today announced its partnership with the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) charity for sport and physical activities.
The aviation services company said its support of the charity will help make a “significant impact” to a wide range of sports in which the RAF participates, coaches and officiates.
The RAF Central Fund supports 54 sports associations and more than 14,000 service personnel.
Menzies claims it is a “long-standing supporter of current and former military personnel” that recognises the “invaluable and transferrable skills veterans bring” to the aviation industry.
In 2023, the company was honoured with the UK Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, reflecting its dedication to the Armed Forces community, it added.
Its partnership with the RAF Central Fund will support service personnel as they develop their full potential through sport and physical activities.
Menzies said it will focus its partnership on the RAF Hockey, RAF Rugby League and RAF Cycling teams by contributing towards kit and equipment, as well as the delivery of member engagement activities, development training and tournaments and championships.
Juliet Thomson, chief people officer at Menzies Aviation, said: “We are honoured to officially partner with RAF Sports and support the incredible sportspeople representing the Royal Air Force.
“Many veterans transition from military service to the aviation industry, and we are proud to employ veterans across our global operations, including over 1,000 in Europe and well over 4,000 in the Americas.
“We look forward to expanding our support for the RAF community, both on the field and in their careers beyond service.”
Ross Perriam, CEO of the RAF Central Fund, added: “We are delighted to partner with Menzies Aviation in this significant collaboration, which will enable more RAF personnel to engage in physical activity.
“Like the RAF Central Fund, Menzies Aviation has a long-standing commitment to supporting the RAF community, and we are excited to unite our efforts to further strengthen this support over the coming year.
“This partnership not only delivers mutual benefits but also highlights the value RAF Sport offers to organisations beyond the defence sector.”
A particular highlight in 2025 will be the RAF Rugby League Association’s Tri-Nation tournament, which Menzies Aviation will specifically support.
Taking place in July, the tournament will welcome the Royal New Zealand and Royal Australian Air Force Rugby League Teams to compete against the RAF Team in matches spanning London, Leeds and RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire.