Rachael Blackburn

Rachael brings a wealth of experience from a diverse career spanning both industry and government, which she now applies to her role at the Aerospace Wales Forum. Her background has equipped her with deep insight into the aerospace sector’s goals, operations and challenges—particularly from her time with the Welsh Government, where she was responsible for the aerospace portfolio in North East Wales. This role also provided her with valuable experience navigating government agencies and funding mechanisms. Rachael has built an extensive network of strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders across the aerospace sector. She works closely with the other UK Regional Aerospace Alliances, as well as both the Welsh and UK Governments, to ensure strategic alignment and collaboration. In recognition of her commitment to fostering international partnerships, Rachael was elected to the Board of the Global Aerospace Cluster Partnership, where she helps promote global cooperation among member organisations. She holds a degree in Business and Finance and is based in North Wales. Outside of work, Rachael enjoys theatre, house renovation and travel—especially to destinations where she can snorkel, immerse herself in new cultures, and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Her adventures have taken her to see orangutans in Borneo, pandas in China and snow monkeys in Japan