12 Years of Celebrating Excellence and Leadership
Be a part of the A/AA Airspace Awards
The Airspace Awards celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations shaping the future of Australia's aviation, aerospace and space sectors. For over 12 years, these awards have recognised and celebrated Australia’s capability and talent.
From pioneering technologies and outstanding leadership to education, sustainability and workforce development, these awards recognise those making a lasting contribution to our industries.
Aviation/Aerospace Australia is proud to showcase excellence, innovation and impact through these prestigious national awards.
Nominations are now open for all A26 Awards.
Nominations close Wednesday 2 September
Proudly sponsored by RMIT University
Awards Presentation Night
Tuesday, 17 November from 6pm at Lakeside Pavilion in Albert Park, Victoria.
It is expected that a representative of the nominee attends the Awards Presentation Night at their cost.
A/AA is committed to supporting and celebrating the Australian aviation, aerospace, and space sectors, however as a not-for-profit we are unable to cover the cost of tickets for guests/organisations attending in support of the nominated individual/organisation.
2026 Award Categories
There is no cost to place a nomination.
Nomination Terms & Conditions
Eligibility: You do not need to be a member to apply. But only members can be judges. Previous winners can apply for the same award category in consecutive years, but it must be for a different project or substantially different outcomes. You can self-nominate. There are no costs to apply for an award. You are required to attend or have a representative attend the Airspace Awards on your behalf at your cost. Costs to attend are found on the website.
Judging process: Winners will be selected by a panel comprised of representatives of the A/AA Board of Directors and industry leaders. Any conflicts of interest will be declared at the commencement of the selection process. Judges have discretion to independently confirm statements or attributions made.
Privacy: Aviation/Aerospace Australia (A/AA) is committed to protecting the privacy of all nominees, nominators and organisations participating in the Airspace Awards. By submitting a nomination, you consent to A/AA collecting, storing and using the information provided for the purposes of administering the awards program, including eligibility verification, judging, finalist and winner announcements, event administration and related promotional activities. Information provided in nominations will only be shared with authorised A/AA staff, members of the independent judging panel and contractors directly involved in administering the awards, who are required to treat all information as confidential. If selected as a finalist or winner, A/AA may publish the nominee's name, organisation, award category, photographs, biography and a summary of the nominated achievements across its website, social media channels, publications and media releases. Sensitive or commercially confidential information submitted as part of a nomination will not be published without prior consent. Personal information will be managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and A/AA's Privacy Policy. Individuals may request access to or correction of their personal information by contacting info@aviationaerospace.org.au
Confidentiality: Nominees should clearly identify any commercially sensitive or confidential information contained within their submission. While every effort will be made to protect confidential information during the judging process, entrants should avoid including proprietary information that is not necessary to support their nomination.
Nominations
Distinguished Leadership Award
For Individuals
This award recognises an exceptional individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and made a significant contribution to Australia's aviation, aerospace or space sectors. Through vision, integrity and a commitment to excellence, the recipient inspires others, drives positive change and delivers meaningful outcomes for their organisation, industry or community. Judges will consider evidence of strategic leadership, innovation, collaboration, mentoring and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce.
NextGenNetwork Outstanding Professional Award
For Individuals
This award recognises an outstanding early career professional (aged under 35 or with less than 10 years' industry experience) who is making a significant contribution to Australia's aviation, aerospace or space sectors.
The award celebrates emerging leaders who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement, innovation, initiative and a commitment to advancing both their organisation and the broader industry. Nominees will have shown the potential to become future leaders through their technical expertise, collaboration, leadership and dedication to supporting and inspiring others.
Sustainability Champion Award
For Individuals
The Sustainability Champion Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy and commitment to advancing sustainability across Australia's aviation, aerospace or space sectors. Aligned with the vision of GreenSkies, this award celebrates individuals who are driving meaningful environmental outcomes through innovation, collaboration and action. Whether influencing policy, developing sustainable technologies, leading organisational change, inspiring future generations or championing industry-wide initiatives, nominees will have made a measurable and lasting contribution to creating a more sustainable future.
Inclusion Champion Award
For Individuals
The Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive aviation, aerospace or space sector. This award celebrates individuals who actively champion opportunities for all, foster inclusive workplace cultures and inspire meaningful change through advocacy, leadership and action. Whether through mentoring, developing inclusive initiatives, influencing organisational culture or promoting equitable access to education and career pathways, nominees will have made a measurable and lasting contribution to strengthening the industry's workforce and creating a greater sense of belonging.
Entrepreneurial Leadership Award
For Individuals
The Entrepreneurial Leadership Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial vision, innovation and leadership in advancing Australia's aviation, aerospace or space sectors.
This award celebrates individuals who have identified opportunities, challenged conventional thinking and transformed ideas into successful ventures, products, services or initiatives that deliver meaningful economic, technological or societal impact. Whether as a founder, business owner or innovator within an established organisation, nominees will have demonstrated resilience, strategic thinking and the ability to inspire others while driving sustainable growth and industry advancement.
Excellence in Innovation
SME Award
For Organisations
The Excellence in Innovation Award recognises a SME that has demonstrated outstanding innovation through the development and successful implementation of a product, service, technology, process or business initiative that has advanced Australia's aviation, aerospace or space sectors.
This award celebrates organisations that are transforming ideas into real-world outcomes through creativity, collaboration and technical excellence. Whether developed through research, commercialisation, manufacturing, digital transformation or operational improvement, the innovation should demonstrate measurable impact and contribute to strengthening Australia's reputation as a leader in aviation, aerospace and space innovation.
Excellence in Innovation
Corporate Award
For Organisations
The Excellence in Innovation Award recognises an organisation that has demonstrated outstanding innovation through the development and successful implementation of a product, service, technology, process or business initiative that has advanced Australia's aviation, aerospace or space sectors.
This award celebrates organisations that are transforming ideas into real-world outcomes through creativity, collaboration and technical excellence. Whether developed through research, commercialisation, manufacturing, digital transformation or operational improvement, the innovation should demonstrate measurable impact and contribute to strengthening Australia's reputation as a leader in aviation, aerospace and space innovation.
Outstanding Leadership
in Training Award
For Organisations
The Outstanding Leadership in Training Award recognises an organisation that has demonstrated excellence and innovation in developing the skills, knowledge and capability of Australia's aviation, aerospace or space workforce. This award celebrates organisations that are preparing the next generation of professionals and supporting lifelong learning through outstanding education, training and workforce development initiatives. Whether delivered through vocational education, higher education, apprenticeships, industry training, professional development or innovative learning solutions, nominees will demonstrate excellence in program delivery, industry collaboration and measurable outcomes that strengthen workforce capability and contribute to the long-term success of the sector.
Outstanding STEM Outreach Award
For Organisations
The Outstanding STEM Outreach Award recognises an organisation, program or initiative that has demonstrated excellence in inspiring and engaging people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through aviation, aerospace or space. This award celebrates innovative and inclusive approaches to STEM outreach that build awareness, create meaningful learning experiences and inspire future generations to explore STEM education and career pathways. Nominees will demonstrate meaningful impact, effective collaboration and a commitment to expanding participation and creating lasting connections between industry and the community.
Outstanding Diversity
& Inclusion Award
For Organisations
The Outstanding Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises an organisation that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace within Australia's aviation, aerospace or space sectors.
This award celebrates organisations that are fostering inclusive cultures where people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive, contribute and succeed. Through leadership, inclusive workplace practices and meaningful engagement, nominees will demonstrate measurable outcomes that strengthen workforce participation, improve organisational culture and help build a more diverse and sustainable industry for the future.
Sustainability Drivers
for Change Award
For Organisations
The Sustainability Drivers for Change Award recognises an organisation that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing sustainability across Australia's aviation, aerospace or space sectors. This award celebrates organisations that are embedding sustainability into their strategy, operations, products, services or culture to deliver meaningful environmental, social and economic outcomes.
Industry Collaboration Award
For Organisations
This award celebrates partnerships that demonstrate the power of collaboration to solve complex challenges, accelerate innovation, strengthen workforce capability, improve industry outcomes or create lasting economic, environmental or social value. Eligible collaborations may involve industry, government, academia, Defence, research organisations, not-for-profit organisations or other partners working together towards a shared objective.