Kerissa Khan FRAeS is the 2023-2024 President of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). She is the youngest person to lead the world’s oldest and only professional body (founded in 1866) dedicated to the global aerospace, aviation, and space sectors. She is committed to addressing human and environmental needs by spearheading transformational, multidisciplinary innovation, and shaping effective global solutions for a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.
Kerissa holds a Master of Engineering degree with Honours in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Glasgow. She has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by Cranfield University for her outstanding contributions to Leadership, Science, and Technology. She is a visionary thought leader advancing sustainable, accessible, and autonomous flight, technical expert in integrated aerospace systems, and prominent international speaker.
Recognised as one of the world’s most influential voices in future air mobility, her notable publications include the RAeS President’s white paper on Shaping the Future of Advanced Air Mobility Safety, UK Future Flight 2030 Vision and Strategy, Future Flight Social Science Research Forward Strategy, in addition to socio-economic studies. She has also shaped the UK Transport Vision 2050 and WEF white paper on Advanced Air Mobility: Shaping the Future of Aviation.
Kerissa leads innovation for the £300 million Future Flight Challenge - the UK Government’s flagship programme developing novel air mobility solutions. Previous roles include research, design and development of aerospace systems for military, commercial and business aircraft, including the Airbus A320, A321, A330, A350, Boeing 787, Bombardier Global 7500/8000, Tornado and Eurofighter. She led UK corporate affairs for a $90 billion multinational aerospace, defence and space high-technology group and managed the government-industry partnership group responsible for developing the UK aerospace industrial strategy.
Championing sustainability and equity, Kerissa is a founding signatory of the UK Government Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy Charter, Women in Defence Charter, and Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter. An awarded Engineering Hero, Inspirational Woman in STEM and industry trailblazer, her achievements have been honoured with international exhibitions of her portrait, paying tribute to her role in empowering future generations.
