GIFAS rewards Herbert Allgeier for his 'exceptional' contribution to the European aeronautic industry
The French group of aeronautical industries, GIFAS, has recognised the efforts of Herbert Allgeier in promoting the European aerospace industry during a special ceremony at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget - the Cannes Festival of the aeronautics business. On 18 June, GIFAS President Jean-Paul Bechat surprised Mr Allgeier, Director-General of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, by presenting him with a one-off prize in recognition of his contribution to European research and technology policy. Mr Allgeier, who is a keen pilot himself, has worked in the research field for the Commission since 1976. As well as his current position as Director-General of the JRC, he has overseen the work of the Commission's aeronautics task force and space coordination group. Confirmation of the Commission's support for his work is seen in the 700 million euro dedicated to encouraging competitive growth within the aeronautics industry under one Key Action of the Fifth Framework Programme (as opposed to 320 million euro for land transport and marine technologies). The action will concentrate resources on developing a strong, independent aircraft industry. The main principles will be improving design technologies to reduce energy consumption and noise emission, technological and economic feasibility projects for future aircraft, and safety considerations. Mr Allgeier said of the GIFAS award: 'I didn't expect anything at all, but I am delighted with this prize. It's a real European product that required cooperation between lots of European countries to produce. I have it on my mantelpiece at work now. 'Aeronautics was one area that was kept outside the Community framework because Member States wanted to keep it to themselves for defence and security purposes. There was a little bilateral cooperation, and even trilateral work, but it was always on an ad hoc basis. I was there at the right time to point out that there are industrial, economic and political dimensions that need the attention of Europe as a whole. 'We already have healthy competition and a functioning market in the automobile industry, but in aeronautics we are not on the same playing field as our competitors in the United States. 'If you want only Boeings then that is fine. But without Airbus you'd still be flying around in old 737s and 727s. 'Cooperation within Europe will provide proper competition which will lead to a cheaper, safer, less unsure industry.'
Kraje
France