John ‘Jack’ Grant was born in Sydney, New South Wales in 1921. He made an indelible mark on aviation safety during his tenure as the Operations Safety Superintendent at Qantas Airways, but his impressive aviation career began in the Second World War when in 1941, he left Australia to undertake flying training in
Rhodesia on the Tiger Moth and Harvard aircraft.

From 1943 until 1945, Jack flew Spitfire and Mustang aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in England, Malta, Sicily and Italy. He flew 195 sorties during the Second World war amassing 390 hours on operational missions. Whilst posted to Malta in 1945, Jack was mentioned in dispatches (MiD) for providing air cover for King George VI during his visit to Malta. In March 1945, he was posted as an
instructor to 57 Operational Training Unit (OUT) in England where he trained pilots to fly the Spitfire aircraft.
For his wartime service, in addition to being mentioned in dispatches (MiD), Flight Lieutenant John “Jack” Grant was awarded the 1939 – 1945 Star, Aircrew Europe Star and Clasp, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Croix-de-Guerre.

During his time as Qantas’ Operations Safety Superintendent, Jack’s ground- breaking invention, the inflatable aircraft escape slide raft, was introduced. Jack had led the certification testing of the slide raft in the Tasman Sea outside of Sydney heads in strong winds and rough seas. Those involved in the testing process included the police, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, and Qantas staff.

He was awarded the Cumberbatch Trophy by the Guild of Airpilots and Navigators (GAPAN) in 1974 for his outstanding contribution to flight safety. The slide raft was certified in 1975, and reshaped international safety protocols in the airline industry. This innovation, a world-first in aviation safety, swiftly became
mandatory equipment for all major airlines. Jack’s inventive prowess and technical acumen were instrumental in developing the slide raft, a vital safety measure for emergency evacuations. Initially conceived for Qantas aircraft, the inflatable device soon became a standard feature across the
aviation sector. Its efficacy was demonstrated dramatically during the Hudson River landing, where a large number of the 155 passengers safely evacuated the aircraft using the floating escape slide rafts.

Recognised globally for his contribution to aviation safety, Jack received widespread acclaim and accolades. His legacy endures as the slide raft continues to be integral to ensuring passenger safety in air travel worldwide. Jack’s pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence serve as a testament to the profound impact individuals can have on shaping the future of aviation safety.