Historical Background of the World Air Games : Founded in 1905 - upon the recommendation by that year's Olympic Congress - the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) brings together at the international level representatives of all air sports from more than 90 member countries. From its seat in Lausanne, Switzerland, the FAI aims to promote and develop these air sports in a spirit of friendship and co-operation to the benefit of millions of athletes practising them around the world. Consistent with this aim, the FAI worked for the last decade on emulating the concept of the modern Olympiad for its air sports. Quadrennial, elite and multidisciplinary competitions bringing together the world's best in flight for the celebration of a unique sports festival : The World Air Games (WAG) Jun 1986 - The Aéro Club de France proposes to organize the "Jeux Mondiaux de l'Air" in Toulouse in 1991. Jun 1988 - The National Aero Club of Greece proposes to organize the 2nd WAG to be called IKARIADA in Greece in 1995. Oct 1990 - Approval for AeC de France to organize the WAG in Toulouse is withdrawn, due to the lack of an agreement between the AeCF and the Union Française des Fédérations Aéronautiques Sportives. The General Conference gives Greece 2 years to prepare a detailed proposal for the Ikariada. Feb 1991 - The WAG-Coordinating Committee is established to oversee and assist the Greek effort. Sep 1991 - After several months of field work by experts from the FAI Air Sport Commissions a program and budget are presented. The Ikariada will stage 22 events at 9 venues at an overall cost of $8.2million. The General Conference gives the official go-ahead to the Greek project. Feb 1993 - A contract is signed between FAI and the Organizing Committee for the Ikariada established by the Greek Government. Oct 1993 - Political elections held in Greece defeat the governing coalition. The Coordinating Committee reports severe delays and inadequate project funding. Feb 1994 - The National Aero Club of Greece reports that the new Greek government has withdrawn its support for the Ikariada and that the Organizing Committee has been disbanded. The WAG- Coordinating Committee recommends termination of the Ikariada project and invites new proposals from FAI Members to organize the 1st WAG. Oct 1994 - Australia, SouthAfrica and Turkey submit bids for the 1st WAG to be organized in 1997. Jun 1995 - Following withdrawal by the other bidders, the WAG-Coordinating Committee recommends acceptance of the Turkish proposal. Sep 1995 - A contract is signed between the FAI and Türk Hava Kurumu, the Turkish Aeronautical Association Sep 1996 - A series of Test Games including 11 sporting events at 6 different sites in Turkey are successfully conducted. Oct 1996 - After analysis of the test games' results the WAG implementation effort reaches full scale deployment. Sep 1997 - The 1st World Air Games have become a reality. Oct 1997 - The WAG Coordinating Committee presents its report on the WAG to the General Conference. Oct 1997 - Four FAI Members submit bids to organize the 2nd WAG in 2001 (Austria, Poland, Spain, Turkey). May 1998 - The WAG-Coordinating Committee recommends acceptance of the Spanish proposal. The FAI Council votes in favour of Spain. The second World Air Games will take place in Andalucia.

Links : Back to the WAG Home Page FAI Home Page

Meet with Quillo, the little guy who knows how to fly !

Calendar of Events Check the calendar of WAG Events for 2001 for the various disciplines that are included in the Games.

Information Bulletins Download bulletin Number 1 for the various events of the World Air Games 2001.

View the map of the various sites where the World Air Games took place in Spain.

Questions ? In need of additional information ? Check our contact list to find a relevant correspondent for your question

WAG Commemorative Coins : The collector's line of gold and silver coins featuring the main FAI airsports. A lasting souvenir of the World Air Games !