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?(Image from NBAA Facebook)Vertical Aviation International (VAI) announced on Wednesday that François Lassale has been appointed as its next president and CEO.
Lassale brings more than 35 years of experience from the military, public service, and commercial aviation. Along with previously being a military aviator, Lassale has held senior roles in commercial and civil helicopter and fixed-wing operations, and leadership positions with HeliOffshore. He has been an active volunteer for aviation organizations such as the Flight Safety Foundation, the European Helicopter Association, the National Business Aviation Association and served as special advisor to the VAI Board of Directors.
He most recently served as CEO of the Indonesian operator SGi, then as group managing director and CEO for a three-company aviation group that operated in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. VAI states that Lassale brings operational expertise, strategic vision, and an international perspective to his new role from his experience. He will assume his role at VAI this fall."I am honored to join VAI at this pivotal moment for vertical aviation," said Lassale. "Our industry is undergoing transformative change, from technology adoption and airspace integration to evolving safety standards and workforce needs. VAI has a critical role to play in guiding that evolution, advocating for our members, and ensuring vertical aviation remains safe, innovative, and economically viable. In my first months, I'll be listening closely to our members across the United States and internationally to validate a focused set of priorities for VAI."
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The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has congratulated Lassale on his appointment. NATA and VAI have collaborated in the past over industry safety culture and training, workforce development, safe implementation of unleaded aviation fuel and timely integration of powered-lift technologies.
"François brings a wealth of operational experience, international perspective, and a proven track record of safety advocacy to his new role," stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. "We look forward to continuing to work with the VAI team, under his leadership, to advance our shared priorities of safety, innovation, and strong advocacy on behalf of aviation businesses."