Biography of Víctor M. Aguado, EUROCONTROL Director General from 2001-2007

Víctor M. Aguado was Director General of EUROCONTROL from January 2001 to December 2007.

A major focus during his mandate was EUROCONTROL’s contribution to the European Air Traffic Management system. Between 2003 and 2005, European ATM recorded its best ever annual performances with flights at an all-time high and delays at an all time low. Under his leadership, the Organisation increased its membership to 37 and strengthened and developed its relationship with the European institutions, with the accession of the European Community as member of the Organisation, and through its key role in supporting the development of the Single European Sky. He was instrumental in launching the SESAR programme (Single European Sky ATM Research) and in ensuring that EUROCONTROL became a founding member of the future SESAR Joint Undertaking.

Prior to his appointment at EUROCONTROL, Víctor M. Aguado held a wide range of posts in the field of aviation. Having begun his aviation activities in 1975 as a Lufthansa student trainee, in 1977 he served as Aeronautical Engineer in the Spanish Air Force. In 1978, he moved to Boston to work with the Mitre Corporation as a Systems Engineer for a major civil/military ATC programme. In 1983, he returned to Spain to become Programme Director for Advanced Air Traffic Management Systems at the Civil Aviation Authority. In 1984, he became Executive Advisor for Aerospace and Telecommunication Affairs to the Secretary of State of Defence. In 1985, he was appointed Deputy Director General for Industry, and in 1988 he was nominated Director General and Head of the Cabinet of the Secretary of State for Defence. In 1990 he moved to ISDEFE, a systems engineering and consulting company where he was Chief Executive Officer.

In 1993, Víctor M. Aguado was appointed Air Navigation Commissioner of ICAO Montreal. In 1995, he became President of ICAO's Air Navigation Commission (ANC), to which office he was elected four times in succession. During his mandate, ICAO launched a number of important and innovative programmes, plans and concepts including the Universal Safety Oversight Program, the Global Aviation Safety Plan, and also established new forms of dialogue with airlines and the manufacturing industry.

Víctor M. Aguado holds numerous national and international awards, notably the Global NavCom '97 Laurel Award, the American Legion Award and the Grand Cross of the Aeronautical Order of Merit, Spain. In addition, he is a professional member of various organisations including the Special Corps of Aeronautical Engineers of the Civil Aviation Authority. He has served as a member of the board of trustees of a number of companies, including ISDEFE, HISPASAT (a satellite communications operator) and INSA (aerospace engineering), as well as the Board of Governors of the Flight Safety Foundation (Virginia, United States of America).

Born in Palencia, Spain, on 9 June 1953, Víctor M. Aguado holds a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Aeronáuticos in Madrid. He also has various postgraduate qualifications, including a Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Diploma in Senior Management from INSEAD-Euroforum.