Youngest person to fly solo around the world keynote speaker at EBACE2023 Career Day

The youngest person to fly solo around the world will be at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2023) Careers in Business Aviation Day. Mack Rutherford will meet with and inspire students and future professionals during a meet-and-greet and live question-and-answer session. EBACE2023 will be May 23-25 in Geneva, Switzerland at the Palexpo Center and adjoining Geneva International Airport, co-hosted by the EBAA and NBAA.

Rutherford will share the story of his solo trip at 16-17, when he completed went on a 30,000-mile journey and visited 52 countries in a span of five months. He began his journey at 16 in an ultralight Shark aircraft. This accomplishment also made him the youngest person to fly solo around the world in a microlight.

He followed the family tradition, earning his pilots license at 15 and three months. His sister, Zara Rutherford became the youngest woman ever to fly solo around the world at age 19 in 2021. She was a keynote speaker at EBACE2022. He became the youngest pilot in the world, conducting two trans-Atlantic crossings and flying solo around the world in 2022.

“Since I was 3, all I wanted was to be a pilot,” Rutherford said. “With my around-the-world flight, I want to show that young people can pursue their dreams and achieve amazing things. It might not be easy or smooth sailing, but with grit and perseverance, chances of success are on your side.”

“Mack’s achievement is an inspiration to young people everywhere who have a desire to learn how to fly, as well as pursue careers in business aviation,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. “He serves as an example of how becoming a pilot builds not only confidence, but also the kind of strong character that can offer an individual advantages that last a lifetime.”

“Through his remarkable achievement, Mack Rutherford embodies the spirit of determination, perseverance and fearlessness that defines the next generation of business aviation professionals,” EBAA Chairman Juergen Wiese said. “His journey will inspire and empower young people to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world. We are thrilled to have him during the EBACE2023 Careers in Business Aviation Day.”

The students attending EBACE Career Day will be able to be inspired by Rutherford as well as take part in breakout sessions with industry professionals and learn more about career opportunities. A guided tour will be available to the students to see aircraft up close and witness firsthand what the industry has to offer.

EBACE2023 Careers in Business Aviation Day is open to both high school and university students and teachers around Europe. The event will show the latest in business aviation across Europe, involving many business aircraft and the future possibilities of transportation technologies.