EASA names new leader

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency announced on Dec. 13 that it is having a change in leadership. Florian Guillermet was selected by the Management Board to be the next Executive Director. "I am pleased to announce that we have selected Florian Guillermet as the Executive Director of EASA," said Piotr Samson, EASA management board chair and president of civil aviation at the Polish Civil Aviation Authority. "I have known Florian for many years and deeply respect his operational knowledge of aviation as well as his high-level strategic thinking. I am sure that, under his leadership, EASA and the European aviation community will grow and prosper even further." Guillermet is currently the Direcor at DSNA, the Air Navigation Services Provider designated by the French State. He is entering the role with 26 years of aviation experience and an emphasis on air navigation and air traffic management. From 2014-2021 he was the Executive Director at SESAR Joint Undertaking. Before he joined SESAR in 2012, Guillermet held several roles at at EUROCONTROL beginning in 2004. In his early career, he held positions with the French Civil Aviation Authority and in Air France. Guillermet is a graduated engineer from Ecole Polytechnique and has a specialized Master Air Transport Management and Aeronautics. "Ensuring the highest levels of safety in the sky will always be our top priority, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency continues to lead efforts to keep passengers safe," said Magda Kopczynska, director-general for mobility and transport at the European Commission. "I am very pleased with the selection of Florian as the future Executive Director of EASA. Based on his impressive track record, I can be very confident that the future of aviation safety in Europe and beyond is in capable hands. I look forward to our continued cooperation!" His nomination follows an open and transparent procedure launched by the European Commission and a preliminary selection to find the candidate suited for the role in terms of merit, competence and experience necessary for civil aviation. A shortlist of candidates was given to the EASA Management Board and the selection process concluded in Cologne, Germany on Dec. 13. The next step involves the selected candidate making a presentation to the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism. This step is scheduled to take place on Jan. 22, 2024 and a notice of formal appointment for the role is expected to take place on Feb. 15. The actual start date has not yet been confirmed. EASA plays a central role in the European Commission's strategy for aviation. The agency ensures that aviation remains safe for passengers and meets expectations in all other aspects. In addition to playing a role in aviation safety, the EASA was a wider goal of increasing sustainability in the industry. This goal has recently been reinforced by the assignment of new responsibilities as part of the RefuelEU Aviation legislation, part of a response to the rapid increase in SAF. EASA supports innovation in next-gen aviation, like drones and urban air mobility. The agency celebrated 20 years in 2023. The NBAA welcomed the decision, congratulating Guillermet and noting the significance in the development of European aviation leadership. The organization also recognized the role of interim leader, Luc Tytgat, who assumed the role earlier this year and led the agency with a steady hand in a transitional period. "We congratulate Florian Guillermet on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of his leadership on the future of European aviation," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. "His selection reflects the board's confidence in his ability to guide EASA through challenges and contribute to the safe growth of the European aviation community." Guillermet is taking the place of Tytgat, who is the current Acting Executive Director. Tytgat took the role as head of the agency on Sept. 1, succeeding Patrick Ky. Ky was vacated from his role as Executive Director on Aug. 1, following the expiration of his 10-year mandate. "I am honoured to have been selected to take over the leadership of EASA, which has gained a strong reputation in its 20 years' existence for its professionalism and expertise," Guillermet said. "EASA will have an instrumental role in accompanying the transition to greener aviation while maintaining the sector's strong safety record. I look forward to steering the Agency through these challenges and to building a positive, multicultural working environment on a basis of trust and transparency."