Australian aviator and Flight Options founder Steve Padgett has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for outstanding achievement and service.

Padgett had his start in aviation by learning to fly at age 16, winning a Royal Australia Airforce (RAAF) flying scholarship. He has gone on to become an integral part of aviation in Australia, and has been instrumental in developing new aviation business and contributing to the industry.

He remarks: “I am honoured to receive the award and delighted to receive this on behalf of my family and the wonderful people I work with every day.”

Padgett is currently co-founder and chairman of Alliance Aviation Services, formerly Alliance Airlines; founder and MD of Flight Options; a life member of the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA); a council member for the Australian Air Force Cadets National Council and chairman of the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame.