Chief of the Air Staff (United Kingdom)

Chief of the Air Staff
Incumbent
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton
since 2 June 2023
Ministry of Defence
Royal Air Force
StyleAir Chief Marshal
AbbreviationCAS
Member ofDefence Council
Air Force Board
Chiefs of Staff Committee
Reports toChief of the Defence Staff
NominatorSecretary of State for Defence
AppointerPrime Minister
Subject to formal approval by the King-in-Council
Term length3 Years
Formation3 January 1918
First holderMajor General Sir Hugh Trenchard
DeputyDeputy Chief of the Air Staff
WebsiteOfficial website

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) is the title of the professional head of the Royal Air Force, who is a member of both the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Air Force Board. The post was created in 1918, with Major General Sir Hugh Trenchard as the first holder. The current and 30th Chief of the Air Staff is Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, who succeeded Sir Michael Wigston on 2 June 2023.