ATCA Honors Patrick Ky as 2013 Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award Recipient

-- Air Traffic's Top Award to SESAR JU's Executive Director

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) is proud to announce Patrick Ky, Executive Director, SESAR Joint Undertaking, as its 2013 Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award winner. With more than 21 years in civil aviation and experience at the French Civil Aviation Authority and the European Commission, Ky currently leads Europe's air traffic management modernization program. Ky will be honored at the Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award Banquet (www.atca.org/KyGilbertAward) the evening of October 23, 2013.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130619/DC34177)

"I've watched Patrick over the last 20 years develop and become the advocate of innovation and change in air traffic control, taking the difficult stages of SESAR and executing them well and under very challenging circumstances. ATCA has chosen the perfect candidate for this award."
– Neil Planzer, ATCA Chairman-Elect and former Glen A. Gilbert winner

"I am extremely honored to have received this prestigious award. Even more so given that I am awarded for something that I remain so committed to – you cannot lead where you do not go. The transformation to SESAR is a milestone in aviation history and I have immense pride that I have been able to be part of that journey."
– Patrick Ky, Executive Director, SESAR Joint Undertaking

About Mr. Ky
Patrick Ky was appointed Executive Director of the SESAR Joint Undertaking in October 2007. Since then, Ky has driven the set-up and execution of SESAR, Europe's ambitious air traffic management modernization program. Prior to SESAR, Ky held managerial positions in organizations including the French Civil Aviation Authority, Eurocontrol, and the European Commission.

Praise for Ky's Accomplishments
"Patrick Ky has been the driving force behind the SESAR Joint Undertaking from the very beginning. It is thanks to Patrick's leadership that his team has been able to deliver such impressive results – making the organization an indispensable player in modernizing Europe's ATM infrastructure."
– Siim Kallas, European Commission

"Through Patrick's leadership, SESAR brought all the European aviation players to the table to develop a way forward to serve European needs. His personal commitment to aviation is clear and this award is well deserved."
– Nancy Graham, International Civil Aviation Organization

Attending the Banquet
The Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Banquet serves as the capstone to the ATCA 58^th Annual Conference & Exposition. The award is ATCA's highest honor and one of the premier awards in aviation. Honoring the outstanding, long-term achievement of an individual in the field of aviation, the award is named after Glen A. Gilbert (1913 – 1982), the "father of air traffic control." Previous winners include former FAA Administrator The Hon. Jane Garvey; Captain Elrey B. Jeppesen; and Pilot A. Scott Crossfield. The award trophy is displayed at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. A full list of past recipients is posted at www.atca.org/GlenGilbert.

About ATCA
The Air Traffic Control Association (www.ATCA.org) is dedicated to the progress and safety of air traffic control and works to advance the technology and professionalism of the industry. Founded in 1956, ATCA serves nearly 3,000 members from throughout the world—individual air traffic controllers as well as aviation associations, educational institutions, the government and military, and companies managing and providing equipment and services in the aviation community.

For banquet tickets or corporate tables: Claire.Rusk@atca.org or +1-703-299-2430.