2024 INDUCTEES INTO THE EUROPEAN LIVING LEGENDS OF AVIATION®
The Living Legends of Aviation(R) Europe Announce the 4th Biennial Inductees & Honorees
Bin Chen was born into a family of the first private economic entrepreneurs after China’s reform and opening policy. He is the Chairman/CEO of Wanfeng Auto Holdings Group and Chairman of Meridian Lightweight Technologies, Inc., and numerous other companies throughout the globe.
Elie Zelouf has dedicated a life to aviation. In 1967, when he was 33 years old, he joined Jet Aviation as Director of Maintenance. He still works there today. His is a legacy of passion and expertise, of a pioneering spirit that helped build a company, and an industry, and of a commitment to customer service that spans decades.
Ivo Boscarol, Dr. h.c., started his aviation career as an aircraft model builder inspired by his father, a known inventor. He later combined his hobby and aviation business as the first private aircraft producer in the Balkans and contributed to the global expansion of the microlight aircraft class.
Péter Besenyei holds the title of “The Godfather of the Red Bull Air Race,” a title he richly deserves. His unparalleled experience and expertise are nothing short of legendary. He has more than 30 medals in unlimited World and European Championships and FAI WGP. Besenyei is considered, by many experts, as one of the three best aerobatic pilots in the world.
024 HONOREES RECOGNIZED BY THE EUROPEAN LIVING LEGENDS OF AVIATION®
Gilles Labbé is receiving the Aviation Industry Leader Award. Labbé is the Executive Chairman of Héroux-Devtek. He continues to embrace new technologies and sustainable practices and boasts 1,870 employees across multiple countries. It is the third-largest landing gear manufacturer worldwide.
Guillaume Faury is receiving the Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award. He was appointed Airbus Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in April 2019 and re-appointed in 2022. Guillaume leads the Company’s Executive Committee. He was previously President of Airbus’ commercial aircraft business, a role he had held since February 2018.
Dieter Morszeck is receiving the Eren Ozmen Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Under Dieter's leadership, WACO Aircraft embodies his family's legacy of excellence and innovation. Combining traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology, WACO Aircraft is poised to become an industry leader.
teve Varsano is receiving the Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award.Varsano, the founder of The Jet Business, has significantly impacted the aviation industry through his passion and innovative approach. The Jet Business, located in London, is the world's first street-level showroom for corporate jets, revolutionizing the buying and selling process.
The Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award will be presented to Dario Costa, a professional race and stunt pilot, aerobatic performer, flight instructor, Pilatus PC6 Porter paradropping pilot, and author of a book and an aviation scientific publication. Dario is the first ever Italian to qualify, compete and to win in the Red Bull Air Race.
Markus Bucher is receiving the Dr. Sam B Williams Technology Award. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, a position he has held since 2013. Over his 38-year tenure, he has become an integral part of Pilatus, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision.