JET celebrates decade of University Air Squadron support  

Youth charity, the Jon Egging Trust (JET) is celebrating ten years of University Air Squadron (UAS) support at this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival, recognising the huge impact that UAS students have had on the charity’s work since 2012.  

For ten years, students from University Air Squadrons across the UK have volunteered their time to help deliver JET’s Blue Skies sessions and act as role models to the young people JET supports. In addition, UAS students have supported the JET team at major public events each year, including the Bournemouth Air Festival and Royal International Air Tattoo, and have donated thousands of pounds to JET by taking part in organised runs, rides, climbs and even a charity plane pull.  

JET CEO, Dr Emma Egging OBE, founded the charity following the tragic death of her husband – Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging – at the Bournemouth Air Festival in 2011. She and Jon met at Southampton University when they were both members of the Southampton University Air Squadron (SUAS) and says the relationship between JET and University Air Squadrons runs deep.    

“When I started university, it was an opportunity to try as many new things as possible but I had no knowledge of aviation or the Royal Air Force,” says Emma. “When I talked to SUAS during Freshers Week it seemed like an opportunity not to miss with the expeditions on offer and of course the chance to learn to fly. Little did I know how much this decision would shape the rest of my life.”  

Emma continues: “Not only did I do the Three Peaks Challenge, train for Ten Tors and have ten hours of flying on the Bulldog; I also met Jon. Throughout my time on SUAS I learnt about teamwork and leadership and was inspired by the opportunities I had and the aspirations and dedication of those around me. Whilst I chose to pursue my career in archaeology, I saw how Jon went on to use those skills and thrive as a pilot and RAF Officer. When he died, I was determined to set up the Jon Egging Trust to take those key tenants of inspiration, teamwork and leadership forward – beyond the UAS and RAF – to help young people facing disadvantage in the community go on to be the best they can be.     

“The ongoing brilliant connection JET has with University Air Squadrons is so important to our work and is of huge significance to me,” says Emma. “And I am so proud that through SUAS we have such great role models here in the south supporting our students to develop throughout their three-year Blue Skies journey.”    

Gp Capt Rob Caine is the officer in charge of University Air Squadrons across the UK and says: “UASs like Southampton are brilliant places full of amazing opportunity for our incredibly talented young people. It opens their minds to careers in STEM, aviation and of course the Royal Air Force and the wider military. Emma is a great example of how the UAS system adds value to everyone who gets involved.” 

Gp Capt Caine continues: “Ultimately the experiences and networks we provide are all about integrity, leadership, service, team work and growth. I am therefore extremely proud of our links with the Jon Egging Trust as they strive to provide opportunities for young people who really need to have their talents recognised and nurtured. Our young officers love sharing what they have learned to people in the JET Programme and the values and insights they all gain are inspiring. 

“As Commandant of 6 FTS, responsible for the UAS Squadrons, I want to expand the relationship we already have with JET, across several squadrons, into a national picture and all 15 University Air Squadrons.” 

This year, students from SUAS will again be on hand to support the JET team at Bournemouth Air Festival, helping to fundraise in the RAF Village and spread word of JET’s work. This year alone, SUAS students have volunteered more than 50 hours to support the delivery of Blue Skies programmes in Dorset and Hampshire. Current SUAS student James Hyde, who is in his third year at Southampton Uni studying Aeronautics and Astronautics, explained how the relationship is mutually beneficial:  

“Supporting the Jon Egging Trust with their Blue Skies programmes provides SUAS students an excellent opportunity to gain experience outside their normal university lives. It has highlighted some of the struggles our younger generations face whilst navigating school life, and shows the positive impact JET has. SUAS members work to support and encourage students during the sessions and will take the lead on delivering some of the activities. It teaches us valuable skills, learning how to motivate others to do things they may not naturally want to do and acting as a role model to our younger peers.”  

James continues: “JET has been SUASs nominated charity in the past. Students have worked together to raise money for the trust in various ways over our 10-year relationship. These fundraising events provide further opportunity to develop ourselves and learn new skills.”

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