When the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) was created in 2000, it faced widespread scepticism that this marriage of Europe's major aerospace and defence players could ever work.
But it has, and last night the two men who have guided EADS to its position as a major global force were named joint winners of the prestigious Aerospace Personality of the Year award at the 12th annual Flight International Aerospace Awards.
Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich were feted by their peers at the gala event at Paris's Pavillon d'Armenonville. It was a fitting tribute to two personalities who, like the company from which they have recently retired, encapsulate the best of European co-operation.
Hertrich was present to collect the personality award from Flight International editor Murdo Morrison.
Russ Meyer, the retired head of Cessna Aircraft, received the Publisher's Award for his outstanding contributions to aerospace, while trophies also went to nine of the industry's top players for their achievements during the past year.
Source: Flight Daily News
