Welsh Aviation Network 2026 - Cardiff

Welsh Aviation Network – Annual Evening Event 2026

The Welsh Aviation Network is delighted to announce the return of its flagship annual evening event, bringing together aviation professionals from across the industry for a night of networking, entertainment, and great company in the heart of Cardiff.

This year's event will be held on Thursday 12th November 2026 at the Leonardo Hotel Cardiff (formerly Jurys Inn) — a fantastic venue that proved the perfect backdrop for last year's sell-out success, which saw 160 guests fill the room in under a week. We expect demand to be equally high this year, so early booking is strongly encouraged.

The evening gets underway at 13:00, with a two-course sit-down meal served from 15:30, accompanied by beer and wine included at the table. The night also features a live comedian and singer, ensuring plenty of laughs and entertainment alongside the networking. Tickets are priced at £75.00 per person.

Guest Speakers

We are thrilled to welcome two true legends of Welsh rugby as our guest speakers for the evening.

Lee Byrne is one of the most celebrated Welsh fullbacks of his generation. He earned 46 caps for Wales and was a key member of the historic 2008 Grand Slam-winning campaign, a defining moment in Welsh rugby history. The following year he was selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2009, making his debut against the Springboks. Best known as one of the celebrated "Fab Four" of Welsh talent alongside Shane Williams, Mike Phillips and James Hook, Lee is now making a name for himself as a pundit and motivational speaker.

James Hook is another Ospreys and Wales great, renowned for his electrifying running style and remarkable versatility across the back line. During his international career, Hook made 81 appearances for Wales, scored 352 points and crossed the try line 13 times, making him one of the highest points scorers in Welsh rugby history. In 2008, James started as first-choice fly-half as Wales clinched the Grand Slam in that season's Six Nations Championship, delivering a Man of the Match performance in the victory over England. He went on to earn a Lions call-up in 2009, and his career ultimately delivered 295 club appearances across Ospreys, Perpignan and Gloucester, 81 Test caps, two Grand Slams, two league titles and a Lions tour.

Together, Lee and James promise to deliver an evening of brilliant stories, insights and humour from the highest levels of the sport.

Tickets: £75.00 per person — don't miss out, last year's event sold out in under 7 days!