Jas Hawker

Jas Hawker is a former Leader of the Red Arrows, RAF fast jet pilot and senior aviation leader who brings decades of experience leading teams in high-pressure environments. From flying at more than 800 mph just metres from other aircraft to overseeing multinational aviation programmes, Jas has built his career around trust, preparation and decisive leadership. He now helps organisations understand how to lead change and sustain high performance when expectations are uncompromising, and decisions carry significant consequences.

Jas began his RAF career as a fast jet pilot, becoming a commissioned officer and earning his fighter pilot wings at just 19. He became the youngest pilot to join a frontline RAF Tornado Squadron, gaining operational experience around the world and progressing to Deputy Squadron Commander. After initially serving with the Red Arrows as a wingman, Jas returned to become Commanding Officer and Leader in 2006. Responsible for eight fellow display pilots and the reputation of the Royal Air Force, he led a team operating in an environment where performance was scrutinised publicly, and there was little margin for error.

Following the Red Arrows, Jas continued developing his strategic leadership expertise, completing a year at Australia’s leading command, leadership and management college before serving as Senior Air Advisor within the multinational headquarters in Afghanistan. He subsequently became Chief of Air Operations, worked within the UK Government advising Ministers on security and capability development, and held senior roles across RAF flying training. In 2023, Jas became Chief of Operations and later Branch Chief for NATO Flight Training Europe, advising governments and industry on the future of military aviation training capability.

Jas is hired as an inspirational leadership speaker because he translates extraordinary aviation experience into practical lessons for modern organisations. He explores how leaders build trust before it is needed, prepare teams for what matters and create cultures that learn quickly without lowering standards. Drawing on the Red Arrows, where new pilots must integrate into a world-class team while maintaining exceptional performance, Jas demonstrates how clarity, accountability and trust enable people to succeed through change. His keynotes give leaders practical insight into decision-making under pressure, high-performance teamwork and creating environments where people can consistently perform at their best.