We are thrilled to reveal the winners of the 2026 EUROCAE Awards, presented yesterday in Dublin during the EUROCAE Symposium. These prestigious recognitions are particularly meaningful because nominations come directly from our Working Groups, the very teams where standards are shaped and advanced.
EUROCAE proudly unites more than 5,000 experts from nearly 500 member organisations. Each year, this moment allows us to honour those who go above and beyond, individuals who assume responsibilities, contribute tirelessly, and help drive progress in aviation standardisation.
The selection of the award recipients was carried out by a dedicated committee composed of representatives from EUROCAE’s Governance, including members of the Council, the Technical Advisory Committee, and the Secretariat. For the Global Harmonisation Award, a representative from RTCA also participated in the review and selection process.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all our members for their continued engagement and contributions. And to the 2026 EUROCAE Award winners, we offer our warmest congratulations.
President’s Award: Eric Bouchard (Dassault Aviation)
Eric Bouchard (Dassault Aviation) joined EUROCAE more than 20 years ago and has been a highly active contributor to several Working Groups. In 2014, he became a member of the Technical Advisory Committee. He later served as Chair of the TAC and Member of the Council. During his leadership of the TAC, he guided significant progress in strengthening EUROCAE’s role.
Lifetime Achievement: Wolfgang Engel (Airbus)
Wolfgang Engel (Airbus) joined EUROCAE nearly 20 years ago and has contributed to several Working Groups. One of his most notable achievements came in 2009, when he was among the founders of WG 80 on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Systems, a group that remains at the forefront of sustainability today. He has also contributed to the development of key documents that are now widely recognised references.
Working Group Leadership: Nikita Johnson (Rolls Royce)
Nikita Johnson (Rolls Royce) joined EUROCAE in 2021 and has since been an active contributor to several Working Groups. However, it is her outstanding role within WG 72 on Aeronautical Systems Security, where she serves as Co Chair, that has earned her this award. She is recognised for her leadership, her ability to drive consensus, and her commitment to EUROCAE’s mission.
International Contribution: Hannes Alparslan (Emirates)
Hannes Alparslan (Emirates) joined EUROCAE in 2017 and has been a highly valued contributor to WG-51, WG-62, and especially WG-72 on Aeronautical Systems Security, where he brings valuable international insights from a non-European operator perspective. In 2020, he also became one of EUROCAE’s trainers, contributing to key courses such as Cyber Security Management.
Global Harmonisation: David Redman (ASVI)
David Redman (ASVI) had only recently joined WG-72 / SC-216 Aeronautical System Security when she stepped up to co-lead SG-6 and the ED-202B / DO-326B “Airworthiness Security Process Specification” revision. Sarah brought a collaborative leadership style and a strong focus on harmonisation that were instrumental to the success of the document.
Women in EUROCAE: Christelle Kutyla (Airbus)
Christelle Kutyla (Airbus) joined EUROCAE in 2017 and has since made a significant impact. For instance, she contributed to the ED-303 standard for the lightning certification of fuel tanks and led the In-Tank Electrostatic Discharge subgroup. Today, she serves as Chairperson of WG-31 Electromagnetic Hazards, where she continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership.
Best Contribution: Cyril Marchand (Thales)
Cyril Marchand (Thales) is an exceptionally active contributor, involved in WG-114, WG-117, WG-127, WG-128, and WG-130. He also plays a leading role as Chair of Working Group 117 Subgroup 2, where he is guiding the development of a key document on integrating COTS, Open Source, and Service History into software assurance.