The aviation community has lost one of its most influential industry player and business leader - Serge Dassault - who passed away on May 28 at the age of 93.

The news came a day prior to the start of European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2018), taking place from May 29-31 in Geneva.

European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) chairman Juergen Wiese joined today with National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO, Ed Bolen, to honor the life and legacy of Dassault Group chairman emeritus, and further announced that the 2018 edition of EBACE would be dedicated to Dassault’s memory.

“Serge Dassault was a giant and a legend who not only influenced aviation, but also commerce and politics in France and throughout Europe,” Wiese stated. “We are honoured to dedicate EBACE2018 to this extraordinary industry figure.”

Bolen added: “Under Serge’s guidance and inspiration, Dassault Aviation rose to become a global leader in business aviation, military applications and technological advancements. Without question, he will long be remembered as a diplomat, statesman, innovator and leader, not just within the industry, but among all those who have been influenced by his leadership.”

Dassault was named chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation shortly after the passing of his father, company founder Marcel Dassault, in 1986. He was later named chairman emeritus in 2000. - TradeArabia News Service