The European Aviation Safety Agency has a new interim manager, Luc Tytgat. He succeeds Patrick Ky, whose second term expired on September 1, 2023. The search for a permanent successor has already begun.

Until the final appointment, Luc Tytgat will lead EASA on an ad-interim basis. In a media statement, the official is quoted as saying, among other things, that he feels honored to have been entrusted with the leadership of the agency during the exercise phase.

EASA has existed in its current form for around 20 years. Patrick Ky was at the helm for ten of those years. Tytgat emphasizes that he wants to build on the previous work of his predecessor and maintain the reputation and quality of the authority.

In general, the European authority says it is facing major challenges. The statement, also taking into account Patrick Ky's previous work, reads, among other things: “He provided the strategic direction for the sector's main challenges, such as the need to strengthen the agency's role in combating climate change and emerging security risks such as cybersecurity, conflict zones and health”.

The appointment of a permanent head of the authority has already been initiated. The position has been advertised and the decision will be announced shortly under the auspices of the EU Commission. It is not known whether Tytgat applied. No information was given on this.