EBAA Honors Kristiansen, Sorensen

Two Danish, citizens, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen and Frederik Sorensen, are to become the first recipients of the European Business Aviation Awards, at the First Annual EBACE Awards Reception and Banquet here on Thursday evening.

Kristiansen, who is President and CEO of LEGO A/S, will receive the European Business Aviation Award for Operator of the Year. A native of LEGO's home town of Billund, Denmark, Kristiansen played key roles in the establishment of LEGO AG of Switzerland and LEGO Systems, Inc. in Connecticut before returning to his homeland to join LEGO's international management operation, with responsibility for marketing and product development. He became its CEO in 1979.

LEGO has long been an operator of business aircraft, which have always proudly carried the company logo--instantly recognizable to every child who has played with its building-block toys. Kristiansen is cited at EBACE 2001 in recognition of his willingness to lend his name and image in support of business aviation as a business tool. In particular, he was the first European entrepreneur to promote business operations by having his photograph taken in front of the company aircraft and allowing it to be used in a business aviation brochure.

Frederick Sorensen, European Head of Unit, Economic Regulation & Air Transport Agreements, picks up the Regulator of the Year Award. A transport economist graduate of the University of Copenhagen, Sorensen was named head if the European Commission's newly created Air Transport Division in 1977, charged with developing air transport policy for the EEC. Sorensen is cited in honor of his wisdom and support when drafting regulations affecting business aviation operations in Europe, enabling the business aviation community to gain access to "grandfather" rights. He was also the first regulator to give official recognition to the International Business Aviation Council's definition of business aviation.

At EBACE 2001 Kristiansen and Sorensen will receive crystal trophies, appropriately depicting a business aircraft overflying the Alps and landing at Geneva.