Today, FAI, the World Air Sports Federation, proudly marks the 120th anniversary of its foundation.

Established in Paris, France on 14 October 1905 by eight visionary nations - Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the USA - the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) was created to promote the peaceful development of air sports, coordinate international cooperation and maintain official records of human flight achievements.

FAI's early days: the 1907 FAI General Conference in Brussels (Royal Aero-Club Archive, Royal Air Force Museum)

Over the past 120 years, the Federation has grown from a small circle of ballooning and early aviation enthusiasts into a global organisation representing nearly 100 countries and a wide range of air sports, from gliding, aerobatics and ballooning to drone racing and astronautics. FAI is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and is part of the worldwide community of international sports federations, upholding the values of excellence, respect and friendship that unite sport across the globe.

FAI President Greg Principato said:

“For 120 years, FAI has stood at the crossroads of history and innovation. We have witnessed extraordinary achievements in flight and evolved through profound changes in technology and society. As we look to the future, our mission remains to inspire and unite people through air sports, to encourage progress that respects our world, and to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, origin or background, has a place in the skies. The pioneering spirit that defined our founders continues to guide us today.”

A legacy of courage and innovation

Hélène Boucher, the first woman to hold an absolute world record (1934)

Since its earliest days, FAI has reflected the human drive to explore the skies. Its athletes, record-holders and pioneers have continually expanded the boundaries of what is possible across every form of air sport.

The first non-stop round-the-world flight in an aeroplane with no refuelling by Americans Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager in 1986

Founded just as powered flight began to transform the world, FAI has chronicled and celebrated every milestone in humankind’s remarkable journey through the air and beyond. From the first air races to supersonic flight, from skydiving records to space exploration, thousands of world and continental records have been ratified by FAI, each representing courage, skill and ingenuity.

Felix Baumgartner jumped from the edge of space in 2012 (credit: Red Bull)

The FAI archives hold an ever-expanding collection of humanity’s achievements in aeronautics and astronautics.

In 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first man to travel into outer space and orbit the Earth

120 years of unity through flight

The first edition of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett was organised in 1906 in Paris. It attracted more than 100,000 spectators, making the race an international event from beginnings

Beyond records, FAI has always promoted friendship and understanding across borders. Its events, from the historic Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett to today’s World Championships and international drone competitions, bring together athletes, officials and enthusiasts from every continent.

The next generation: Junior World Champions, 2025 FAI F5J World Champions for Electric Powered Thermal Duration Gliders (credit: Marcelo Cavaglia)

Through educational initiatives such as the FAI Young Artists Contest, the Federation continues to inspire new generations to look skyward and dream of flight.

Looking ahead

One of FAI’s newest disciplines, Drone Racing keeps pushing creativity to new heights, like this extraordinary panda-shaped racetrack built for The World Games 2025!

As aeronautics and astronautics continue to evolve, FAI remains true to its founding purpose: to honour human progress in the sky and beyond, to uphold fairness and safety, and to inspire all who dare to explore the skies.

Happy 120th anniversary to the air sports community and beyond.

Credit: FAI archives, unless otherwise stated.