WASHINGTON, D.C., USA / Brussels, Belgium – The following statement was released by Pete Bunce, President & CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) on the appointment of Patrick Ky to serve as the next Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA):

"GAMA congratulates Patrick Ky on his appointment to the position of Executive Director by the Management Board of EASA.  Mr. Ky brings a wealth of industry and regulatory authority experience with him.  In his current position as the head of the SESAR JU, (Single European Sky ATM Research Joint Undertaking), he has provided leadership on the critical issues associated with modernization and systems interoperability between Europe and North America.  As manufacturers, we have appreciated Mr. Ky’s collaborative approach to partnering with industry for technological solutions to improve safety and efficiency. 

"As EASA celebrates its 10-year anniversary, we are grateful to EASA’s outgoing Executive Director Patrick Goudou, who has assembled a strong team that built the agency from the ground up. 

"We are hopeful that the incoming Executive Director will accelerate the march toward more efficient certification processes, particularly during these challenging times that create intense budgetary pressures.  Additionally, we hope that EASA continues its movement toward recognizing the unique nature of business and general aviation and the need to regulate this industry differently than the commercial airlines.  This is an extremely important distinction that must be considered as EASA expands its authority over operations, licensing and airports."

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