Success at D.E.S25!

The 29th of April saw the second edition of the annual Equal Skies conference Destination Equal Skies 2025 (D.E.S25.)

From humble beginnings, D.E.S25 showed an increase in Equal Skies momentum with the event bringing together 40 professionals and people with disabilities at One Great George Street, Westminster.

Host Dr Shani Dhanda expertly guided guests through the opening address by CAA Chair Sir Stephen Hillier and keynote by Paralympian turned airworthiness engineer Martyna Snopek. The day also included breakout sessions hosted by NATS, Evenbreak and Shoosmiths.

During his opening address, Sir Stephen Hillier emphasised the CAA’s commitment to tackling inaccessibility effecting both consumers with a disability as well as people looking to work within the sector. Sir Stephen also highlighted the unique set of skills possessed by those with a disability and how improving accessibility will help to alleviate the skills shortage in the UK.

Aside from formal sessions, guests also had the opportunity to network and discuss challenges in a safe environment.

The event culminated in guests writing a small commitment on a wing section taken from a disused motor glider. Aerobility’s CEO Mike Miller-Smith MBE reminded guests that ‘the world changes through lots of people doing small things.’

D.E.S26 will take place in April 2026.