Airways Aviation Sponsors Football for Peace’s “Rehydrate the Earth” Gala in London
Airways Aviation Group, a leading global provider of aviation education and training, proudly sponsored the Football for Peace’s landmark Rehydrate the Earth Gala, held on 7 May 2025 at the Nobu Hotel in Portman Square, London. The high-profile event marked the launch of a decade-long global campaign addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable access to clean water in some of the world's most vulnerable regions.
In collaboration with Discover Montenegro (www.discovermontenegro.com), Airways Aviation donated a fully funded three-day luxury yacht charter aboard the Riana Yacht (www.rianayacht.com), valued at£40,000, to be auctioned during the event. The funds raised will directly support Football for Peace’s clean water and youth-led peace building programmes across multiple continents.
“Water scarcity is one of the most pressing issues of our time and yet remains one of the most overlooked challenges on the global agenda. At Airways Aviation, we have long supported water access projects in impoverished and remote regions and we are proud to continue our commitment through meaningful partnerships such as this one,” said Romy Hawatt, Founder and Chairman of Airways Aviation Group and a board member of Football for Peace.
The gala was attended by prominent figures from the worlds of sport, entertainment and philanthropy. Guests included football legends Harry Redknapp, Dimitar Berbatov, Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck and Rachel Yankey, among others. The evening also featured live entertainment, including a performance by singer Heather Small and a DJ set by Denise Van Outen, and was highlighted by a live charity auction to raise awareness and generate funds.
Speaking to London Daily News, Kashif Siddiqi, Co-Founder of Football for Peace, said:
“Football is our strategy for a more united and hydrated world. We’re going from the USA World Cup to the Saudi World Cup, mobilising people to take action for water. This is about creating a global movement through the power of sport inspiring leaders, youth, and communities to be part of the solution.”
Football for Peace uses the unifying power of sport as a powerful tool to drive social inclusion, peace and sustainable development. Its newest initiative, Rehydrate the Earth, aims to combine sport diplomacy and on-the-ground action to deliver clean water solutions where they are most needed.
Also addressing the audience was Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways, who spoke on the power of football diplomacy and its role in building bridges across communities and cultures. British Airways, along-time supporter of Football for Peace, demonstrated its continued commitment by donating two First Class tickets to any global destination as part of the evening’s charity auction.
This sponsorship forms part of Airways Aviation’s broader mission to contribute to humanitarian causes, foster global collaboration and promote sustainable development goals alongside its educational and aviation training operations worldwide.
About Airways Aviation Group
Airways Aviation Group is a leading global educator in aviation, with more than45 years of experience, offering a broad array of pilot training programmes and aviation services in key locations worldwide, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Recently, the Group has accelerated its global expansion through strategic acquisitions - most notably Professione Volare in Italy and Patria Pilot Training - Finland, Spain, and other Nordic territories. With a dedicated focus on safety, innovation, and excellence, Airways Aviation Group is committed to training the next generation of aviation professionals.
About Football for Peace
Football for Peace is an international organisation that harnesses the power of football to unite communities, foster youth leadership and drive positive change. By 2034, its global campaigns aim to empower communities by restoring water resources and enhancing resilience, supporting its mission of peacebuilding and sustainable development. To learn more, visit www.footballforpeace.org.uk.
