Development of the World Air Games

Founded in 1905 upon the recommendation by the Olympic Congress, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) brings together at the international level representatives of all air sports from some 100 member countries. From its Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, the FAI aims at promoting and developing air sports in a spirit of friendship and cooperation to the benefit of all athletes practising these sports around the world.

Consistent with this aim, the FAI, in the mid-nineteen-eighties, started developing the concept of an “Olympiad” for its air sports : The World Air Games.

After two editions of the World Air Games, FAI decided that the initial concept used in 1997 (Turkey) and 2001 (Spain) was unlikely to allow the goals set for the World Air Games to be achieved.

In close cooperation with air sports specialists and consultants in sports marketing, a new concept was developed, giving priority to quality over quantity : Fewer venues closer together; fewer athletes but the best of the best; shorter but innovative and more attractive competitions are some of the keywords of the concept for the 3rd World Air Games in Turin (Italy) in 2009.

The following pages contain additional information on the World Air Games historical background and on the 2nd World Air Games. Please note that those pages are not updated any longer.