The current ACAS is Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall.

The post was originally established circa February 1938, but without being made a member of the Air Council.

[1] The ACAS post was re-established in 1985 by eliminating the Vice Chief of the Air Staff and combining the Policy and Operations two star assistant chiefs.

The ACAS is responsible for "assisting the Chief of the Air Staff in generating a balanced and integrated Royal Air Force capability and for maintaining the fighting effectiveness and morale of the Service including the development of policy.

"[2] One of the many duties of the ACAS is to sit on the board of the Civil Aviation Authority as a non-executive member.