• easyJet has been awarded Bronze Defence Employer Recognition Scheme status for supporting the Armed Forces community and upholding the Armed Forces Covenant

• The airline marked milestone with what is believed to be the highest ever awarding of the certificate ceremony at 20,000 feet on a flight from London Luton to Jersey

• The special flight was operated by veterans and Reservists to mark Armed Forces Week, to raise awareness of veteran career opportunities and the important role of civilian reservists

easyJet has today announced it has been awarded Bronze status under the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), recognising the airline’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

The ERS encourages organisations to support Defence and inspire others to do the same, recognising employers that pledge, demonstrate and advocate support aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant.

To mark the announcement, easyJet has carried out what is believed to be the highest ever awarding of the certificate ceremony – at 20,000 feet – on board flight EZY637 from London Luton to Jersey, operated by Captain David Morgan, easyJet Chief Operating Officer and Honorary Air Commodore accompanied by an easyJet former RAF test pilot, First Officer.

They were joined in the cabin by Air Vice-Marshal Jo Lincoln, Director of RAF Reserves, who presented easyJet with the certificate. The symbolic moment brought together customers, crew and members of the RAF who were also flying onboard to celebrate and recognise the service and contribution of the Armed Forces community.

The news comes during Armed Forces Week, with events that help connect the Armed Forces with the communities they serve, designed to show how the whole of society can help keep the UK safe.

Reserves Day takes place today, Wednesday 24 June 2026, a national occasion to recognise the Reserve Forces for their outstanding contribution to the country.

Captain David Morgan, easyJet Chief Operating Officer and Honorary Air Commodore of No. 622 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, based at RAF Brize Norton, said:

“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.

“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.

“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.

Mark Frost, easyJet Cyber Threat Manager, Former Royal Marines Commando, said: 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. 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 MP said:

“Our reservists balance demanding civilian careers with a commitment to protecting the UK. Seeing Royal Air Force reservists pilot a commercial easyJet flight today is a brilliant demonstration of that dual role.

“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.”

easyJet has formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrated its understanding of the commitments involved, and communicated its support for the Armed Forces community across its workforce in roles including across Flight Operations, Engineering, Digital, Commercial, and IT across its Network.

The airline is committed to being an Armed Forces-friendly employer, promoting opportunities for veterans, Reservists and military families, and ensuring they are not disadvantaged in recruitment or employment.

easyJet continues to actively support veterans into employment and has built a strong and engaged veterans network within its workforce, helping former service personnel transition into civilian careers within the aviation industry.

For further information, please contact the easyJet Press Office via www.easyjet.com/en/news/contacts or on 01582 525252

Notes to editors

About easyJet

easyJet is one of Europe’s largest airlines offering a unique and winning combination of the best route network connecting Europe's primary airports with great value fares and friendly service.

easyJet flies on more of Europe’s most popular routes than any other airline and carried 100 million passengers in 2025. The airline has over 350 aircraft flying on over 1,200 routes to more than 160 airports across 35 countries. Over 300 million Europeans live within one hour's drive of an easyJet airport.

easyJet aims to be a good corporate citizen, employing people on local contracts in nine countries across Europe in full compliance with national laws and recognising their trade unions. The airline supports several local charities and has a corporate partnership with UNICEF which has raised over £17m for the most vulnerable children since it was established in 2012.

In 2022, easyJet published its roadmap to net zero by 2050. The roadmap, which also features a combination of fleet renewal, operational efficiencies, airspace modernisation, Sustainable Aviation Fuel and carbon removal technology, has set an ambitious interim carbon emissions intensity reduction target of 35% by 2035, validated by the Science-based targets initiative (SBTi). The airline’s ultimate aim is to fully transition its fleet to zero carbon emission technology, which it will achieve through a number of strategic partnerships including with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN Aerospace Solutions. Since 2000, the airline has successfully reduced its carbon emissions per passenger, per kilometre by one-third and is the number 1 ESG rated airline in Europe by Sustainalytics, MSCI and CDP.

Innovation is in easyJet’s DNA – since launching over 30 years ago, easyJet changed the way people fly to the present day where the airline leads the industry in digital and operational innovations to make travel more easy and affordable for its passengers.

In 2023 easyJet was named by TIME as one of the World’s Best Companies and a Leader in Diversity 2024 by The Financial Times.

Armed Forces Week

Armed Forces Week is a national campaign running from 22 to 27 June 2026 to build public understanding and support for the entire military community, including regular personnel, reserves, veterans, cadets, and military families.

Reserves Day takes place during this week on Wednesday 24 June 2026, serving as a dedicated moment to highlight the 37,000 individuals who give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces.

The week culminates in Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June 2026. This year, the national event is being hosted by Rushmoor Borough Council across Aldershot and Farnborough. Alongside this main focal point, hundreds of communities nationwide will host their own local parades, meals, and family events, supported by Ministry of Defence grants of up to £10,000.