Vantaa, Finland – 23 October 2025
The spirit of human flight and innovation soared high last night as aviation leaders, athletes, innovators, and enthusiasts gathered in Vantaa for the FAI Awards Ceremony 2025. Hosted by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI), the ceremony recognised trailblazers who have elevated air sports through passion, leadership, and record-breaking achievements.
Each year, this ceremony marks the official opening of the FAI General Conference, and in 2025, the honour of hosting went to the Finnish Aeronautical Association.
From gliding, ballooning, and parachuting to drone racing, aeromodelling, and aerospace medicine – the evening showcased excellence across the entire aviation spectrum.
Celebrating Visionaries & Champions
FAI President Greg Principato reflected on the importance of recognising pioneers in aviation:
“Your passion, commitment and hard work is inspirational to behold, and shows future generations that air sports have a long and thriving future.”
Echoing the sentiment, Janne Vasama, President of the Finnish Aeronautical Association, added:
“These awards are proof of boundless human determination and an unwavering passion for flight. You inspire the next generation who look up and dream of their own wings.”
Highlights of the 2025 Awardees
FAI Silver Medal
- Mark Sullivan (USA)
Celebrated for leadership in hot air and gas ballooning, founding the America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race, and advancing ballooning globally.
Paul Tissandier Diploma Recipients
Visionaries recognised for service, development, and leadership in aviation:
- Pasi Pirttikoski (Finland) – Skydiving leadership
- Tom Arppe (Finland) – Championing aviation access
- Guido Guidi & Sandro Gargini (Italy) – Aviation governance & parachuting excellence
- Khalid Alkalbani (Oman) – Building aviation culture and youth training
- Kjell Dalsheim (Sweden) – Gliding & model flying advocacy
- Andy Hunziker (Switzerland) – Ballooning pioneer and record setter
Group & Special Diplomas
- Athens Aeroclub (Greece) – Nearly a century of flight training
- Joze Cuden (Slovenia) – Aeromodelling innovations & championships
- Michel Pallier (France) – 22-year aircraft build achievement
- Metodej Vlach Foundation (Czechia) – Sopwith Triplane restoration
- J. Anunano Melchor (USA) – Global contributions to aerospace medicine
Major FAI Awards
- FAI Gold Air Medal
Oleksandr Halunenko (Ukraine) – Holder of 263 world records and legendary Antonov test-pilot - FAI Bronze Medal
Jia Bing (China) – Advancing drone sports and global air sports leadership - Sabiha Gökcen Medal
Luisa Rizzo (Italy) – First female Italian drone racing champion and global role model
Inspiring the Future of Flight
This year’s honourees represent not only remarkable achievements but also the enduring values of aviation – innovation, bravery, mentorship, and passion for the skies.
From building historic aircraft and training the next generation of pilots to pioneering drone racing and advancing aviation medicine, their contributions are shaping the future of global air sports.
The sky is not the limit – it’s just the beginning.
