Signs Contract With APCO Worldwide

Aero-News has learned on Wednesday, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced the association has concluded a contract with global communication consultant group APCO Worldwide to provide analytical, information and strategic advisory services in Europe. Paul Feldman, Director in APCO’s Brussels office, will have the principal responsibility of providing GAMA with information and strategic advice regarding regulatory and policy issues affecting general aviation in Europe.

"Paul Feldman brings to GAMA’s membership vast experience in the international aviation arena through his service at the Federal Aviation Administration, in Congress and as the FAA’s senior executive for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. We plan to leverage Paul’s expertise at a critical time in the development of European aviation policy and the expansion of the general aviation market in Europe," said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce.

Prior to joining APCO, Feldman was the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa based in Brussels from 2001 to 2006. Among other accomplishments, he was responsible for leading the US in negotiations with the European Commission on a new aviation safety bilateral agreement recognizing the establishment of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Feldman also served in a temporary capacity as FAA Assistant Administrator for International Aviation. Before becoming FAA Director in Brussels, Feldman served as the FAA’s Senior Representative to the European Union. Additionally, he earlier served as a Democratic Staff Director in the Subcommittee on Aviation of the U.S. House of Representatives.

APCO Worldwide is an independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. APCO was named 2006 Agency of the Year by PR Week, 2006 and 2005 European Consultancy of the Year by Public Affairs News and 2004 Public Affairs Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report.

GAMA is an international trade association headquartered in Washington, DC representing over 50 of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation aircraft, engines, avionics and related equipment. GAMA's members also operate fleets of aircraft, fixed based operations, and pilot training and maintenance training facilities.

FMI: www.gama.aero, www.apcoworldwide.com