Three dynamic UK-based aviation companies—Signum Aviation, Artemis Aerospace, and GT Engine Services—have been named recipients of the prestigious 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category. This honour celebrates each company’s impressive global growth and long-term contribution to the UK’s reputation for excellence in the aviation industry.
The King’s Award for Enterprise, formerly known as the Queen’s Award, is the highest official recognition for British businesses. Personally approved by His Majesty The King, the accolade honours organisations that demonstrate exceptional achievement in international trade, innovation, sustainable development, or promoting opportunity. Now in its 59th year, the programme allows winners to use the official emblem for the next five years—a mark of quality and distinction in both domestic and international markets.
One of the honourees, Signum Aviation, was founded in Chester in 2007 by Managing Director Jonathan Gill. Starting with just a single client, the company has grown into a global leader in flight planning and operational support, now managing over 300 aircraft this year. From a small office in the UK, Signum has expanded with strategic offices in Manchester, Denver, Riyadh, and Subang, enabling them to serve clients across multiple time zones with seamless coordination. The award not only highlights Signum’s commercial success but also reflects its team’s commitment to quality, precision, and international service.
Artemis Aerospace, a West Sussex-based business founded in 1999 by Jim and Deborah Scott, was also recognized. What began in a spare bedroom has since become a globally respected provider of aviation component supplies and support services. Despite having only 14 employees, the company has excelled by establishing robust business hubs in both the United States and Asia, allowing them to cater to client needs globally. The 2025 King’s Award is a significant milestone for Artemis, underscoring its export performance and operational excellence on a global level.
GT Engine Services, headquartered at London Stansted Airport, is a part of STS Aviation Group and is an EASA Part 145 and FAA-approved provider of jet engine maintenance. The company has earned widespread respect in the industry for delivering high-quality support and maintenance for a range of aircraft engines. According to Managing Director Greg Macleod, this award is a tribute to the tireless efforts of the Stansted-based team and the loyalty of their client base. With a sharp focus on quality, the company has expanded steadily, cementing its role as a key player in global aviation support.
Chief Operating Officer Tracey Clark noted that the recognition also serves as a spotlight on the capabilities of British aviation engineering, showcasing what UK-based companies can achieve on the international stage. The award validates GT Engine Services’ mission to deliver consistent, high-performance support across every engine and engagement.
This year, only 197 organisations across the UK were recognised with a King’s Award, with just a few of them operating within the aviation sector. Among the rare few, Artemis Aerospace received recognition in the International Trade category, demonstrating its resilience and competitiveness in a challenging global market. Only two organisations in 2025 were honoured with dual awards, making the feat achieved by Signum, Artemis, and GT Engine even more noteworthy.
The 2025 winners represent different corners of the UK—from Chester and West Sussex to London Stansted—but are united by their shared commitment to global aviation excellence. Their success stories reflect how British businesses, regardless of size, can thrive internationally with strategic vision, innovation, and outstanding service delivery.
As recipients of the King’s Award for Enterprise, each of these companies gains not only a seal of approval from the monarch himself but also a powerful endorsement that can boost international trust and commercial opportunities. Whether through flight support, engine maintenance, or component supply, these firms are setting a high standard for the UK’s aviation sector, reminding the world of Britain’s enduring contribution to global air travel.
