EADS honours its “best and brightest” innovators, inventors and craftsmen with their induction into the company’s Hall of Fame

Friedrichshafen, 09 February 2012

The spirit of innovation across EADS´ Divisions and operations was recognized today with the latest induction of members into the company’s Hall of Fame, which honoured employees from Airbus, Astrium, EADS Innovation Works and Eurocopter.

This year’s winners were announced during a biennial gala organised by the EADS Corporate Technical Office, which sponsors the Hall of Fame. Held at the Dornier Museum in Friedrichshafen, Germany, the event was attended by employees, EADS top managers and invited VIPs.

Named as the Great Inventor in recognition of the number of his high-quality patented inventions was Gerhard Müller, who works at EADS Innovation Works – the company’s research and technology organisation.

Eurocopter’s X3 team was named as the Great Innovator for its development and successful flight demonstrations of the company’s high-speed hybrid helicopter testbed. A group of Astrium employees was recognized with a special prize as Best Systems Engineering Team.

Completing the Hall of Fame inductees were François Baras of Astrium and Airbus Military’s José Bello Ibañez, who were both named Great Craftsmen.

“The Hall of Fame is our way of spotlighting the ‘best of the best’ at a company that has become known worldwide for its innovation and creativity,” explained Jean Botti, the EADS Chief Technical Officer.

EADS selects a new set of Hall of Fame inductees every two years, with the winners depicted in permanent galleries located in company headquarters facilities in Paris and Suresnes, France, and Ottobrunn, Germany.

For this year’s event, the Hall of Fame winners were revealed by four special guests: Claudie Haigneré, former French cosmonaut and Minister; former German astronaut Ulf Merbold; and members of the EADS Formation Skydiving Team.