By connecting the global aviation family to real-world UK CAA expertise, we help States achieve a better aviation system; one that enhances prosperity, tackles societal and environmental challenges, and promotes an innovative, sustainable future.
As the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s independent technical cooperation arm, we unite and export half a century of UK CAA knowhow to help States improve and responsibly grow air transportation.
Working with national Governments, aviation agencies, regulators and industry organisations, our advice, training and examination services have helped countless States pursue robust, sustainable regulatory systems.
We provide holistic advice, often above and beyond UK, ICAO, and European-based standards, harnessing the UK’s treasure chest of regulatory mastery, aviation heritage and prevailing innovative landscape.
Through enduring partnerships, we take States on a journey – from solving evolving compliance challenges, and getting essential oversight just right, to progressive transformations for advanced regulatory performance.
As a founding member and leading voice within the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the UK has been a powerhouse developing the regulatory DNA that aviation relies upon. Today, our subject matter experts continue to pioneer new international standards and forward-looking regulatory practices to help the future of flight flourish.
By improving aviation and aerospace standards across the globe, together we can make a truly connected world a reality, uniting people and businesses for a better and more sustainable future.
Our Vision
A world where every State has a safe, secure, sustainable, and fair aviation system, that is continually improving.
Our Mission
To develop partnerships and share learning. Connect our partners with UK CAA expertise, supporting their people to lead tomorrow’s aviation world. To reinvest a sustainable proportion of our funds to extend our reach and fulfil our purpose.
Our Purpose
To improve aviation and aerospace standards across the globe.
Social Enterprise
In pursuit of a truly connected world, we are proud to blend our work with targeted social good programmes. As a Social Enterprise, we take action to overcome some of the greatest aviation challenges facing the developing world – investing and driving change where it is needed most.
Our Leadership Team
Clair Borrelli
Senior Manager – International Operations and Development - CAAi
Maria N. Rueda
Managing Director
Matthew Margesson
Head of International Operations
Rob Erskine
Head of International Operations
Richard Dobson
Head of International Operations Technical Resources
Silke Buckley
Head of Training – International Operations
Kevin Sawyer
Head of International Operations- Aviation Security
Clair Borrelli
Senior Manager – International Operations and Development - CAAi
Clair joined CAAi in 2011 and was appointed to the position of Head of Operations in January 2023. Clair leads the Business Services team, responsible for the continuous improvement of our processes and procedures in line with our BSI 9001:2015 accreditation. Clair has 24 years of experience in aviation, with a background in Ground Handling and Airlines Operations, before joining CAAi, where she has project managed our large Capacity Building projects, working to improve safety standards with Regulators and Aviation bodies globally.
Maria N. Rueda
Managing Director
Maria joined CAAi in 2011 and was appointed to the position of Managing Director in 2015. Maria is responsible for setting the long-term strategic vision for CAAi and establishing and maintaining senior stakeholder engagement and key partnerships. Maria has over 23 years of experience in the aviation sector and holds MSc in Airports and Air Navigation Services as well as BSc in Aeronautical Engineering.
Matthew Margesson
Head of International Operations
Matthew joined the CAAi in 2009 and was appointed Head of International Operations for the Middle East, Africa and Americas in 2018. Matthew leads a multidisciplinary technical assistance and project management team across CAAi’s delivery function for some of the strategically significant regions for the UK CAA. He is also responsible for international examination and licensing services. Matthew has 19 years’ experience working in the aviation industry, including to Chief Executive and Board level, and holds a Bachelor of Science Honours degree from the Oxford Brookes University.
Rob Erskine
Head of International Operations
Rob joined CAAi in 2011 and became Head of International Operations for the Asia Pacific region in 2017 responsible for our Programme Delivery. Rob has vast aviation operational and commercial experience with 17 years at BAA plc covering London’s South-East Airports. Rob has a Bachelor Honours Degree of Valuation and Estate Management from the University of West of England and maintains his professional qualification as a Chartered Surveyor.
Richard Dobson
Head of International Operations Technical Resources
Richard Joined CAAi in 2010 and became Head of Technical Resource in 2021, responsible for the management and delivery of the technical services across regulatory domains. Richard is an aviation professional with more than 25 years working for the UK CAA and CAAi. Richard has extensive experience in working with major UK and European aerospace companies. Having very strong account manager skills in business development, bid preparation and contracts, he developed a solid know-how in project management, delivering to agreed targets and budgets. Also experienced in coordinating commercial and purchasing teams. From 2006 he was the Senior Project Manager responsible for the outsourced EASA framework contracts that include the provision of certification services and consultancy services in support of international technical cooperation activities.
Silke Buckley
Head of Training – International Operations
Silke Buckley is the Head of Training for International Operations Training at Civil Aviation Authority – CAA International.
Silke Joined CAAI in 2013 and became Head of Training in 2023 Â responsible for the strategic development and delivery of the CAAI Training Portfolio. Silke has extensive experience in the development of Learning Management Systems and Learning technology and has over 20 years of experience in the active application of adult learning principles, learning design techniques and innovative Learning solutions. Silke has a Masters and BA Degree in Business Studies from the University of Brighton.
Kevin Sawyer
Head of International Operations- Aviation Security
Managing Insider Risks
Threat Image Projection – Implementation and Analysis
Introduction to Security Culture
Introduction to Human Factors in Aviation Security
Kevin has 18 years of experience working in regulatory roles in the transport sector. Kevin has been working for the UK CAA since 2014, primarily in Aviation Security regulation but also in General Aviation and most recently as aviation security lead in CAAi. Prior to joining the UK CAA, Kevin spent 12 years with the Department for Transport in a variety of security-related roles ranging from compliance, policy, strategy and head of personnel security and vetting. Kevin has significant experience of working on a number of high-profile security events and policies both domestically and internationally with a focus on risk management. Kevin has an MSc in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management.
