RAF veteran and MAF co-founder receives Award of Honour

23rd November 2019

Stuart receives the Award of Honour from the Honourable Company of Air Pilots in 2019 (credit: Jenny Davies)

Stuart receives 2019 Award of Honour from the Hon Co of Air Pilots (credit: Jenny Davies)

Former RAF Flight Lieutenant Stuart King, one of the founders of MAF, has received the Award of Honour from The Honourable Company of Air Pilots (HCAP) for his outstanding and enduring contribution to aviation

Receiving his award at the UK headquarters of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in Folkestone, Kent, on Monday 18 November 2019, Stuart was joined by close family, MAF colleagues and co-founder Jack Hemmings to celebrate his achievement.

Fellow MAF co-founder Jack Hemmings congratulates his friend (credit: Jenny Davies)

Joining names such as Neil Armstrong – the first man on the moon, Jim Lovell – commander of Apollo 13, and the Red Arrows, Stuart was added to the list of inspiring men and women who have used aviation to write history.

Acknowledged for his determination to use aviation as a force to help to the world’s poorest and remotest communities, Stuart was recognised for pioneering and expanding MAF in the aftermath of WWII. MAF has now become the world’s largest humanitarian airline.

Stuart was honoured to receive his award:

‘It is always humbling when we are acknowledged for using our God-given abilities, and receiving this award is a particularly great honour.’
Stuart King, co-founder of MAF

Paul Tacon, Clerk of the Hon Co of Air Pilots gave Stuart his award (credit: Jenny Davies)

Paul Tacon, Clerk of the Hon Co of Air Pilots gives Stuart his award (credit: Jenny Davies)

Paul Tacon, Clerk of HCAP, was welcomed by MAF to present Stuart with his award. Commending Stuart for his 75-year service to aviation and the developing world, Paul said:

‘Although Stuart is no longer conducting operations, his vision and integrity have created the ethos and professionalism that is MAF today. Stuart is an extraordinary and visionary man, who has done so much to enable aviation to bring help and relief to some many of the world’s most disadvantaged people. He is a worthy recipient of the Award of Honour for his outstanding and enduring contribution to aviation.’

Recommended to the HCAP by Wing Commander Mike Dudgeon – a long-term supporter of MAF who attended the celebration – Mike noted Stuart’s resolve and steadfast Christian faith. Mike said:

‘If not for Stuart’s determination, thousands of people wouldn’t have been helped in some of the remotest places. It’s wonderful that Stuart’s vision and Christian values are still at the centre of what MAF do today. He is truly an inspirational man and MAF is a brilliant organisation.’

Stuart’s daughter Rebecca is proud of her dad (credit: Jenny Davies)

Stuart’s daughter Rebecca King – who lived the adventure of MAF’s early days as the family pioneered operations in Sudan and Ethiopia – is incredibly proud of her father. Rebecca said:

‘Dad’s life motto was always to be the best man he could be in God in every season of his life. He strived to be the best bachelor, then the best husband, the best father and now the best widower. He has always been so determined and committed to MAF. He is an inspiration to us all.’

Award of Honour from the Hon Co of Air Pilots (credit: Jenny Davies)

Award of Honour from the Honourable Company of Air Pilots (credit: Jenny Davies)

RAF veteran and MAF co-founder receives Award of Honour

23rd November 2019

Former RAF Flight Lieutenant Stuart King, one of the founders of MAF, has received the Award of Honour from The Honourable Company of Air Pilots (HCAP) for his outstanding and enduring contribution to aviation

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