Leidos Australia Secures Double Win at 2025 Aviation Awards
Leidos Australia has taken home two top honours at the 2025 Australian Aviation Awards, capping off a day in which the company also led critical discussions at the Australian Aviation Summit in Sydney on August 14. The company was awarded Training and Mentorship Program of the Year and Female Aviation Leader of the Year – Large Business, cementing its reputation as an industry leader investing in workforce development and innovation.
Leidos Australia & Asia Chief Executive Paul Chase said “These awards reflect not just individual successes, but the dedication, innovation and collaboration of our entire team.” Chase continued “they highlight the culture of excellence we are building and the opportunities we are creating for the next generation of aviation professionals.”
National recognition for training excellence
The Training and Mentorship Program of the Year award recognised the efforts of Leidos’ flight and aircrew training teams for their innovation and industry collaboration in developing pathways for future aviation professionals.
Key initiatives include Leidos’ Aviation Scholarship with RMIT University and the launch of nationally accredited Certificates III and IV in Airborne Operations. These programs provide structured training, mentoring and employment opportunities, helping to address the critical workforce shortages facing aviation. Leidos Australia Head of Pilot Training Scott Mooney and RTO Compliance and Development Manager Nicole Powell accepted these awards on behalf of the respective teams.
Nicole Powell also received the award for Female Aviation Leader of the Year – Large Business. Her leadership has transformed training for mission aircrew. Nicole’s contributions include the establishment of nationally recognised qualifications for mission aircrew, the rollout of a modern learner management system, and her focus on mentoring and capability development across our workforce.
Supporting industry collaboration at the summit
Earlier in the day, Leidos played a central role at the Australian Aviation Summit, where the company was principal partner. Leidos Vice President Airborne Solutions Australia James Woodhams officially opened the event, underscoring the importance of partnerships in solving shared challenges.
Throughout the day, Leidos leaders actively supported panels and discussions designed to encourage collaboration across government, industry and training providers. By enabling these conversations, Leidos helped create an environment where stakeholders could share knowledge, explore new solutions, and strengthen connections across the aviation ecosystem.
Industry leadership
Leidos’ achievements demonstrate how innovation and investment in people can deliver long-term benefits. By combining accredited training, scholarships, mentorship and leadership development, Leidos is building capability not just for its own operations but for the broader aviation sector.
“These accolades belong to all of our people,” Chase said. “Every day our teams train, mentor and support aviation professionals who save lives and protect Australia’s national interests. Their work is essential, and it is inspiring to see it recognised at a national level.”
With its dual success at the Awards and strong presence at the Summit, Leidos Australia has underscored its role as a driving force in shaping the future of aviation - leading with innovation, collaboration and a focus on people.
