For the last 2 decades, infact since the EAC was formed, Gilbert Buekenberghs has been at the controls, captaining the European Airshow Council, from a concept idea, into the success it has become today.
He has been supported by a loyal board from the start, drawn from different backgrounds in airshows, different nations, but all with passion and commitment to represent the European Continent's Airshow community and industry. In the traditional Chairman's opening address, Gilbert announced that he was stepping down from the EAC Board and also his role as chairman, retiring to enjoy airshows from the other side. In his speech he also broke the news that Joe Ciliberti, Jacques Bothelin and Ed De Bruijn, all founding members of the organisation were to step down also. As members of the board and retiring from their roles outside the airshow world, their joint feeling is to bring on the new generation, to lead and develop the EAC of the future.
Those retiring were asked to look for successors to the board and we are pleased to welcome Dr Manolis Karachalios as our new Chairman, who will be supported by Geoffrey Buekenberghs as Vice Chairman also representing Belgium. We welcome Helen Webb of the United Kingdom and also Massimo Farrugia of Malta. Over the coming months a further representative will join the Board creating a new team and supporting the European Airshow Industry.
Manolis said ' It's a huge privilege and honour to take over from Gilbert, a legend in the airshow world and a great leader and great man with such dedication and passion, I promise to look after all you have created.'
Our thanks go to all 4 of our retiring board, for their hard work, dedication, passion and determination to succeed in the strive for Safety and Excellence in Airshows.