Giancarlo Buono MSc FRAes receives the Distinguished STEM Alumni Award 2026

CSG News: What were your motivations for studying at City St George’s?

GB:

"At the time, City St Georges, or ‘City’ as it was then called, was one of the very few institutions offering a part-time MSc in Air Transport Management, making it possible to continue my professional responsibilities while studying.

"What particularly attracted me was the breadth of the programme. Many aviation-related postgraduate courses focused on specific disciplines such as safety, engineering or maintenance. While these are all critical areas, I was looking for something that would provide a broader understanding of the aviation industry as a whole.

"The MSc at City St Georges offered exactly that. It explored the interactions between airlines, airports, regulators, air navigation service providers, manufacturers and international organisations. I wanted to understand not only how aviation operates, but also how strategic, commercial, operational and regulatory decisions shape the industry's success.

"Looking back, it proved to be an excellent choice because it gave me a holistic view of aviation that has been invaluable throughout my career. From my time as an airline pilot and safety executive to my current role as Group Director for Safety and Airspace Regulation and Executive Board Member of the UK Civil Aviation Authority."

"I also enjoyed studying the latest developments and emerging trends in aviation. The industry is constantly evolving, and the programme encouraged us to think beyond current practices and consider how the sector might develop in the future. That ability to understand change and anticipate emerging challenges has remained highly valuable throughout my career.

"Perhaps the most rewarding aspect was the networking opportunity. The programme brought together aviation professionals from different countries and backgrounds, all united by the same passion for aviation and a shared ambition to develop their careers.

"The discussions that took place both inside and outside the classroom were often as valuable as the formal lectures, and many of the professional connections formed during that period have endured.

"Another memorable aspect was attending classes at the historic Northampton Square campus. Studying in the heart of London and being part of such a diverse academic community created a unique learning experience that I still remember very fondly.

"The biggest challenge for me was adapting to the academic rigour of a master's programme. As a professional pilot, I was accustomed to a highly operational environment, so developing scientific writing skills and learning how to conduct academic research required a significant adjustment. I also had to become familiar with subjects such as economics and marketing, disciplines that were largely outside my previous experience.

"Looking back, those challenges were among the most valuable elements of the programme. They pushed me beyond my professional comfort zone and helped me develop analytical, research and strategic thinking skills that have proven essential throughout my subsequent leadership roles in aviation."

"One of the most valuable lessons I gained was how to contextualise operational decision-making within the wider objectives of the industry. The course helped me appreciate how strategic, commercial and regulatory considerations influence aviation while reinforcing that safety must remain a fundamental and non-negotiable principle.

"This perspective has guided me throughout my career, whether working within airlines, representing the industry at international organisations or serving as a regulator.

"The MSc also provided me with a much deeper understanding of the international regulatory environment. Aviation is a truly global industry, and effective leadership requires an appreciation of the interaction between national authorities, international organisations and industry stakeholders. The knowledge I gained at City St George's proved invaluable as I became increasingly involved with organisations such as ICAO, EASA, EUROCONTROL and IATA.

"Most importantly, the programme equipped me with the analytical, communication and leadership skills needed to operate effectively at the highest levels of management. It gave me the confidence to engage with senior executives, policymakers and regulators, contribute to strategic decision-making and ultimately take on leadership roles of increasing responsibility. Those skills continue to be essential in my current role as Group Director for Safety and Airspace Regulation and as a member of the Executive Board of the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

"One of the highlights of my career has been leading safety and operational initiatives at both airline and international level. I have had the privilege of helping airlines develop and implement modern Safety Management Systems, supporting airline start-ups, and working with industry partners to improve operational performance and safety outcomes. Safety has been a constant theme throughout my professional life, from my military flying career to my current regulatory responsibilities.

"My time at IATA provided particularly rewarding opportunities. Working closely with organisations such as ICAO, EASA, EUROCONTROL and SESAR allowed me to contribute to major European aviation initiatives and to help shape policies designed to enhance safety, efficiency and resilience across the aviation system. Representing the airline industry at senior international forums and governance bodies was both a privilege and a significant responsibility.

"Another personal highlight has been the opportunity to serve in leadership and governance roles within several of Europe's most important aviation institutions, including the EASA Management Board, the EUROCONTROL Provisional Council and the SESAR Joint Undertaking Governing Board. These roles provided a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing aviation during a period of considerable transformation.

"Today, I consider my role at the UK Civil Aviation Authority to be one of the most rewarding of my career. Aviation is undergoing rapid change, driven by new technologies, innovation, sustainability ambitions and evolving societal expectations. Being able to contribute to the safety, resilience and future development of UK aviation during this important period is both a privilege and a responsibility that I greatly value.

CSG News: Why would you recommend City St George’s as a place to study STEM?

GB:

"My own experience demonstrated the value of studying in an environment that encourages critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and practical problem-solving. These are skills that remain relevant regardless of whether graduates pursue careers in engineering, technology, aviation, science, regulation or entrepreneurship.

"City St George's also benefits from its strong links with industry and its location in London, providing students with access to a diverse and international community of academics, professionals and organisations. This exposure helps students understand not only their chosen discipline but also the wider context in which they will eventually work. In a world where technology and innovation are advancing at an unprecedented pace, the University equips students not simply with knowledge, but with the ability to adapt, learn continuously and make meaningful contributions throughout their careers.

CSG News: What are the main issues facing the UK in terms of STEM from your perspective?

GB:

Attend the awards and panel discussion

Register your attendance to the STEM Alumni Awards 2026, Wednesday 28 October at City St George's, University of London's Clerkenwell campus.

Find out more about the awards

Visit the STEM Alumni awards website.