The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) applauded the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of aviation champion Capt. Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III to serve as U.S. ambassador to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Purdue University Photo
Recognizing the retired airline captain’s longtime support of business aviation, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen noted that Captain Sullenberger is one of the preeminent aviation figures of our time, someone whose name is synonymous with aviation safety and leadership. “He will be an exceptional U.S. Representative to ICAO, and we look forward to working closely with him in the months and years ahead.”
The ICAO Council is a permanent body composed of 36 member states, carrying out executive functions of the ICAO Assembly, administering air transport, air navigation, technical cooperation and other functions.
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO, Pete Bunce said ICAO plays an essential role in advancing international aviation safety and cooperation, environmental sustainability and global interoperability of aviation products that will shape the future of the industry. “As a military and civil aviator, Ambassador Sullenberger has decades of experience with aerospace technological innovation and knows the vital role these advancements play in making global aviation safer as well as aircraft and airspace operations more efficient.”
At its 2017 convention, NBAA recognized Sullenberger with its American Spirit Award. He also served as a keynote speaker at the association’s 2015 convention, detailing for attendees his “Miracle on the Hudson” water landing of a US Airways Airbus 320-200 in New York City’s Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009, after multiple bird strikes disabled both engines. Famously, Sullenberger, first officer Jeffrey Skiles, and the cabin crew ensured the survival of all 155 passengers and crew.
With over 20,000 flight hours, Sullenberger advanced safety as a mentor pilot and accident investigator long before the 2009 incident. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he served as a fighter pilot for the U.S. Air Force from 1975 to 1980. He advanced to become a flight leader and a training officer, attaining the rank of captain.
“We are confident that Ambassador Sullenberger will be a very effective representative on these critical issues and will be a strong addition to ICAO,” said Bunce.
