For over 20 years since its formation, Gilbert Buekenberghs has led 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 also to step down. 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.
In recognition of Gilbert’s work and incredible support he has also given to the UK Air Display community, the British Air Display Association’s CEO, George Bacon, presented Gilbert with a small token of thanks during the EAC Dinner.
Those retiring were asked to look for successors to the board and EAC welcome former Hellenic Air Force F-16 display pilot Dr Manolis Karachalios as their Chairman, who will be supported by Geoffrey Buekenberghs as Vice Chairman. Helen Webb of the United Kingdom and Massimo Farrugia of Malta also join the EAC board. Over the coming months a further representative will join the Board creating a new team and supporting the European Airshow Industry.
