Royal Aeronautical Society

Who we are

The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) is the world’s oldest and most influential professional body dedicated to aviation, aerospace and space. Based at 4 Hamilton Place in London, and with a global membership, we have spent more than 160 years advancing aeronautical engineering; supporting professional development, promoting safety and standards, and connecting a worldwide community of specialists, innovators and leaders.

We are also a registered charity, with a purpose to inspire, educate and influence. We champion excellence across the sector, support the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals, and are committed to ensuring the industry is open and accessible to all, regardless of background.

We take pride in our past achievements, our independent voice, our ability to bring people together and our commitment to evidence‑based expertise. But we’re equally focused on the future - on new frontiers in flight, on strengthening our role in a rapidly changing sector, and on building a new heritage for the Society that reflects the needs and expectations of the next generation.