[4] The award was established on 3 June 1918, shortly after the formation of the Royal Air Force (RAF).

[7] These awards were discontinued in 1993,[2] when the criteria were narrowed to "exemplary gallantry while flying".

[9] Recipients of the Air Force Cross are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "AFC".

The figures to 1979 are laid out in the table below,[13] the dates reflecting the relevant entries in the London Gazette: In addition, between 1980 and 2017 approximately 279 AFCs[14] and eight second-award bars[15] have been awarded.

[18] A total of 87 honorary awards have been made to members of allied foreign forces, including 26 for World War I, 58 for World War II and three post-war, the latter all to members of the US Air Force.