Saxon Air wins Aviation Company of The Year and Sustainable and Environmental Award

Norwich-based Saxon Air is celebrating a major double victory at the Aviation Industry Awards UK 2026, taking home both Aviation Company of the Year and the Sustainability & Environmental Award.

The two accolades recognise a significant period for Saxon Air, which has continued to grow its aviation operations while investing in new technology, infrastructure, skills and its long-term Responsible Aviation strategy.

Photo: Saxon Air

Saxon Air was named Aviation Company of the Year from a shortlist that included Air Canada Cargo, MRO Pro and STS Engine Services, recognising the strength and development of the business across its diverse aviation operations. Operating from its headquarters at Norwich Airport and bases across the UK, Saxon Air provides non-scheduled fixed-wing and helicopter charter, aircraft management and flight support, alongside flight training and aviation skills development through the wider Klyne Aviation Group.

The award follows another major milestone for the business earlier this year, when Saxon Air became the UK’s largest rotary operator for onshore charter, marking significant growth in its helicopter operations and national footprint.

Maintaining a focus on responsible aviation to support aviation sustainability

Alongside its operational growth, Saxon Air has remained focused on what it describes as responsible aviation: its approach to growing and operating an aviation business while actively investing in the technologies, infrastructure, people and skills needed to support the industry’s future sustainability.

That commitment was separately recognised with the Sustainability & Environmental Award, which Saxon Air won for its Solar Plane Port and SKYCHARGE project.

Saxon Air was shortlisted in the category alongside sustainability projects from some of the biggest names in aviation, including Birmingham Airport, GKN Aerospace, International Airlines Group (IAG), Jet2 and i6 Group.

Completed in December 2025, the SKYCHARGE project represents the latest stage of Saxon Air’s investment in renewable energy and electric aviation infrastructure at Norwich Airport. The project incorporates a 50 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling renewable energy generated by Saxon Air’s solar infrastructure during daylight hours to be stored and used later in the day. This allows Saxon Air to maximise the renewable energy it generates, reduce reliance on the grid and move closer towards round-the-clock solar-powered operations.

How stored solar energy is helping to power electric aircraft

Crucially, the technology also supports electric aviation. Stored solar energy can be used to charge Saxon Air’s Pipistrel Velis Electro, removing some of the daylight and weather dependency associated with charging an electric aircraft directly from solar generation.

The Velis Electro – the world’s first type-certified fully electric aircraft – is operated through Saxon Air’s Flight Training Centre and forms part of the company’s wider work to demonstrate how lower-emission technologies can be integrated practically into aviation today.

The Solar Plane Port and SKYCHARGE sit within a much broader programme of investment under Saxon Air’s responsible aviation strategy, encompassing renewable energy generation, electric aviation, lower-emission flight training and the development of future aviation skills.

Where regional aviation can play a key role in reducing environmental impact

Alex Durand, CEO of Saxon Air, said: “Winning the Aviation Company of the Year and Aviation Sustainability & Environment Award at the Aviation Industry Awards UK 2026 for our Solar Plane Port and SKYCHARGE means such a lot to us. It validates our responsible aviation strategy, while also showing how much can be achieved by a small regional business with a targeted vision.”

Photo: Saxon Air

The double victory adds to Saxon Air’s growing record of industry recognition and demonstrates the role regional aviation businesses can play in driving change across the wider sector. Rather than viewing growth and sustainability as separate ambitions, Saxon Air’s Responsible Aviation strategy is centred on progressing both together – growing its operational capabilities while continuing to invest in practical measures that can reduce its environmental impact and support the next generation of aviation.

From expanding its aircraft operations and becoming a UK rotary operator, to supporting future aviation professionals and investing in electric flight and renewable infrastructure, the two awards recognised how far the company has progressed and the direction it is taking for the future.