Michael Holzbauer has officially made aviation history as the first Austrian elected President of EUROCAE, marking a pivotal shift in the leadership of European standardization. This strategic appointment is set to redefine the future of airspace interoperability and accelerate the integration of next-generation flight technologies.
The aviation world recently witnessed a historic transition during the EUROCAE Symposium & General Assembly 2026 in Dublin. Michael Holzbauer, a veteran in Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Director of European Affairs at Frequentis, has been officially elected as the 20th President of EUROCAE. This appointment marks a significant milestone, as Holzbauer becomes the first Austrian national to lead the organization since its inception in 1963, succeeding Guillaume Roger of the DGAC.
Michael Holzbauer, A Visionary Leader for Global Aviation Standards
The election of Michael Holzbauer comes at a pivotal time for the aerospace sector. As the industry grapples with the challenges of sustainability, digitalization, and the integration of new entrants like drones, the role of standardization has never been more critical.
Holzbauer is no stranger to these complexities. Having joined Frequentis in 2006, he has spent nearly two decades at the forefront of technological integration in ATM. His leadership within the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) programme has already demonstrated his ability to bridge the gap between high-level policy and technical execution.
Strengthening the EUROCAE Ecosystem
Since joining the EUROCAE Council in 2015, Michael Holzbauer has been a driving force behind the organization’s strategic growth. His recent tenure as Vice-President allowed him to work closely with the outgoing President, Guillaume Roger, ensuring a seamless transition of power.
Under his leadership, EUROCAE is expected to continue its trajectory of expansion. The organization currently boasts:
- Over 450 active members (industry, regulators, and research institutes).
- Approximately 50 active Working Groups.
- A growing global footprint with members from across the world.
For more insights into the latest industry shifts, you can explore our comprehensive aviation news and regulatory updates.
Strategic Priorities: Innovation and Sustainability
During his acceptance speech, Michael Holzbauer emphasized that standardization is the backbone of safety and interoperability. But beyond safety, the « Holzbauer era » is likely to focus on three key pillars:
- Digital Transformation: Accelerating the adoption of digital technologies in ATM to increase airspace capacity.
- Sustainability: Developing standards that support the « Green Deal » objectives, reducing the environmental footprint of aviation.
- Global Collaboration: Strengthening ties with international bodies to ensure that European standards remain globally recognized industry benchmarks.
To learn more about the technical specifications and current working groups, visit the official European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment platform.
Michael Holzbauer and The New Leadership Team
While Michael Holzbauer leads the charge, he is supported by a robust team of officers:
| Name | Role | Organization |
| Michael Holzbauer | President | Frequentis |
| Guillaume Roger | Vice-President | DGAC/DTA/STAC |
| Thomas Buchanan | Vice-President | Skyguide |
| Benoît Gadefait | Treasurer | Safran |
Michael Holzbauer stated: “It is a great honour to be elected President of EUROCAE. I am very grateful for the trust placed in me and would like to sincerely thank Guillaume Roger for his leadership over the past three years. Standardisation plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, interoperability and innovation in aviation, and I look forward to supporting EUROCAE’s continued success”
Anna von Groote, Director General of EUROCAE, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Michael Holzbauer as President. Together with the Secretariat, our members and our experts, we will continue leading the way in global aviation standardisation, delivering value to our members and supporting the wider industry”.
Historical EUROCAE Presidents:
- 1963-1966: Philippe Lizon (L.M.T.)
- 1966-1968: Bernard J. O’Kane (Marconi-Elliott Avionic Systems)
- 1968-1973: Albert Colpaert (MBLE)
- 1973-1976: Marc de Saint Denis (Thomson-CSF)
- 1976-1979: D. G. T. Hayes (Decca-Navigator)
- 1979-1983: Jacques Pagnard (SFENA)
- 1983-1988: Alan Carnell (Racal Avionics)
- 1988-1993: Bernard Dubois (Thomson-TRT Défense)
- 1993-1997: John Charnley (CAA)
- 1997-1999: Jean-Paul Lepeytre (Sextant Avionique)
- 1999-2002: Alain Garcia (Airbus)
- 2002-2005: Terence Knibb (BAE Systems)
- 2005-2007: Paolo Prudente (Selex S.I.)
- 2007-2010: Gil Michielin (Thales)
- 2010-2014: Jean-Paul Platzer (Airbus)
- 2014-2016: Eric Bernard (Dassault Aviation)
- 2016-2020: Francis Schubert (Skyguide)
- 2020-2023: Bruno Ayral (Thales LAS France)
- 2023-2026: Guillaume Roger (DGAC)
- 2026-Present: Michael Holzbauer (Frequentis)
FAQ: Michael Holzbauer and the Future of EUROCAE
Michael Holzbauer is the Director of European Affairs ATM at Frequentis and the newly elected 20th President of EUROCAE. He is the first Austrian to hold this position in the organization’s 60-year history.
EUROCAE is the European leader in developing globally recognized industry standards for aviation. It facilitates cooperation between industry, regulators, and service providers to ensure safety, sustainability, and interoperability.
The President typically serves a multi-year term. Michael Holzbauer succeeds Guillaume Roger, who served for three years, and will lead the Council in defining the strategic direction of the organization.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
The election of Michael Holzbauer is more than just a change in personnel; it is a commitment to continuity and progress. As the first Austrian President, his unique perspective from the heart of Europe will undoubtedly influence how the continent approaches the next decade of flight. By focusing on interoperability and innovation, Holzbauer is set to reinforce EUROCAE’s position as a global leader.
How do you think Michael Holzbauer’s background at Frequentis will influence the speed of drone integration in European airspace? Let us know in the comments!
