Dr. Thomas Enders Named as 2019 Tony Jannus Award Recipient

The Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society has announced that former Airbus SE CEO, Dr. Thomas “Tom” Enders has been nominated and accepted as the 2019 recipient of the iconic Tony Jannus Award. He will receive the honor at the annual dinner banquet on November 15, 2019.

In its 56th year, the prestigious Tony Jannus Award is presented annually for outstanding achievement in the field of commercial aviation. The award is named for the pilot of the first scheduled airline flight on New Year’s Day in 1914 between St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida.

The society is proud to honor Dr. Enders for his storied career in aviation. The longest serving member of the Airbus Executive Committee, Enders held various top management positions between 2000 and 2019, most notably as Chief Executive of EADS and of Airbus. Under his leadership, Airbus went through profound strategy and governance changes and developed into one of the world’s largest and most successful aerospace companies.

Before starting his career in the aerospace industry, Enders worked in the German Ministry of Defense and in various foreign policy think tanks. An economist and political scientist by education, he is also a helicopter pilot and an avid skydiver. He served with the German Airborne troops and left the Army with the rank of Major (Reserve). Recently, he was elected President of the prestigious German Society of Foreign Affairs (DGAP).

Mark Sprague, 2019 Tony Jannus Society co-chair stated, “Dr. Enders is a global leader who inspires aviation innovation and epitomizes the Tony Jannus Award. The legacy of Tony Jannus is one of tenacity and nerve; Dr. Enders has displayed these qualities throughout his career and is a truly worthwhile honoree.”

The Tony Jannus Award honorees include elite aviation pioneers, aeronautical engineers, industry CEOs and governmental leaders. The “who’s who” list includes world renowned figures such as: Sir Lenox Hewitt; The Honorable Norman Minetta; Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker; Lt, Gen. James Doolittle; Brigadier General Charles “Chuck” Yeager; Herb Kelleher, Sir Richard Branson, and the 2018 recipient, Capt. Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger.

“This is a remarkable recognition,” said Dr. Tom Enders, “and I am humbled to join such aviation luminaries as a Tony Jannus Award winner. What an honor to be a part of this prestigious organization.”

The Tony Jannus Awards Banquet honoring Tom Enders will be held at the Opal Sands Resort on Clearwater Beach on November 15, 2019. Information on sponsorships and the awards are available at www.tonyjannus.com.