He will assume the new position starting from October 1, 2025

An Italian has been chosen to lead the strategic Flight Standards Directorate of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA): Francesco Gaetani is the new head of this important structure responsible for developing and validating the uniform application of European regulations across domains concerning aircraft maintenance, production, operations and flight crews, airports, and air traffic control. 

The president of ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority), Pierluigi Di Palma, expresses, on behalf of the Authority, satisfaction for this significant recognition: “The appointment of Francesco Gaetani highlights the renewed relationship established by ENAC with the new Executive Director Florian Guillermet, which has brought, for the first time, an authoritative Italian candidate onto the EASA board. This further consolidates the role of ENAC and Italy in European civil aviation, fostering a common commitment to the safety of our skies". 

Francesco Gaetani, graduated in Maritime Sciences, was an officer pilot in the Italian Navy; after transitioning to civil aviation, he was certified on various aircraft types, holding multiple roles both with air carriers and within EASA. He will assume the new position starting October 1, 2025.