News
NBAA to honour Serge Dassault and Dick Van Gemert

July 27, 2009, Washington, DC – The Board of Directors of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has announced the 2009 recipients of the Association's annual Meritorious Service to Aviation and John P. "Jack" Doswell awards.

Serge Dassault, chairman emeritus, Dassault Falcon Jet, will receive the 2009 NBAA Award for Meritorious Service to Aviation, and Richard (Dick) Van Gemert, senior vice president, corporate affairs for Jet Aviation Holdings USA, Inc., will receive the 2009 NBAA John P. "Jack" Doswell Award.

The Award for Meritorious Service to Aviation is NBAA's most distinguished honor, and is presented annually to an individual who, by virtue of a lifetime of personal dedication, has made significant, identifiable contributions that have materially advanced aviation interests. The Doswell Award is granted for lifelong individual achievement on behalf and in support of the aims, goals and objectives of business aviation.

"NBAA is proud to recognize these two outstanding members of the business aviation community for their dedication and many contributions to the industry," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

Meritorious Award Recipient Serge Dassault

Serge is chairman and CEO of Dassault Group and has been deeply involved in business aviation for more than four decades.

He became chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation in 1986, shortly after the passing of his father Marcel Dassault, and was later named chairman emeritus in 2000. Under his management, Dassault Aviation has become a world leader in the business aircraft market. Dassault was also a strong supporter of Dassault Systems, which pioneered the technology that made computer-designed airplanes possible.

“Serge Dassault is without question one of the most innovative leaders in business aviation, and NBAA is honored to present him with our Association’s highest honor,” said Bolen. “We congratulate and thank Serge for his many years of dedication to business aviation.”
 
John P. "Jack" Doswell Award Recipient Dick Van Gemert

Dick Van Gemert will receive the 2009 Doswell Award in honor of his commitment to operational excellence in business aviation.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Van Gemert joined the flight department for Xerox, and quickly rose to lead the organization, which became one of the most highly regarded in the industry. He worked to develop the careers of others, and to promote the application of education, training and management best practices into business aviation operations. Van Gemert served on NBAA’s Board of Directors and on the Board of Governors of the Flight Safety Foundation. Following his extraordinary career at Xerox, Van Gemert went on to serve as an executive with KC Aviation and JetAviation.

"Throughout Dick’s career, he has pushed himself and those around him to achieve high standards for safety and operational performance," Bolen said. “Dick has successfully worked in a variety of capacities in business aviation, and in each, he has been a pivotal figure in helping set the high standards that are the hallmark of a professional flight operation.”

Dassault and Van Gemert will receive their awards during NBAA's 62nd Annual Meeting & Convention, to be held from October 20 to 22 in Orlando, FL.