The FAI is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Frits Brink, FAI President from 2016 to 2018 and President of Honour, who died on 1 April 2025 at the age of 79.

A passionate aviator with many years of flying experience, Frits Brink was a tireless advocate for air sports and served the international sporting community with dedication and distinction. His contributions to sports administration spanned the regional, national, and international levels, with roles including President of the Royal Netherlands Aeronautical Association (KNVvL) and Vice-President of the Netherlands Olympic Committee, where he championed the inclusion of air sports in the Olympic programme.

Frits Brink joined the FAI Executive Board in 2012 and served as Finance Director from 2014 to 2016 before being elected FAI President in 2016. During his presidency, he worked to expand the reach of air sports beyond Europe, with notable success in Asia, and advanced the inclusion of air sports in multi-sport events.

Frits Brink was elected FAI President at the 110th FAI General Conference 2016 in Bali, Indonesia

He brought to his FAI roles a wealth of experience from a distinguished public service career, which included serving as Mayor of three Dutch municipalities between 1980 and 1997, and holding leadership positions as a senior police officer, chairman of the board at a national broadcasting organisation, and CEO of major healthcare institutions.

Beyond aviation, Frits Brink was an enthusiastic basketball fan and served as President of the Netherlands Basketball Federation from 1992 to 1997.

Frits Brink’s commitment, vision, and enduring passion for air sports left a lasting impact on the global air sports community. He will be remembered with great respect and affection by all who had the privilege to work with him.

FAI President Greg Principato said: "When I assumed the presidency of the National Aeronautic Association of the USA, Frits was the first FAI official I met. His passion for air sports was evident and we all benefitted from his service to FAI and to the Aero Club of The Netherlands. On behalf of FAI's Members, I extend my sincerest sympathies to his wife Tineke, to his family and his many friends."

The FAI extends its heartfelt condolences to Frits Brinks' wife, family and friends around the world who are mourning his loss. 

FAI Secretary General Markus Haggeney, President of Honour Dr John Grubbström, ASFC President Jia Bing and President of Honour Frits Brink at the 2017 FAI World Fly-in Expo in Wuhan, China 

Photo credit, top picture: Reismedia