Montrealer Marc Parent, CEO of CAE, will be inducted as a Living Legend alongside Prince Harry at the annual Living Legends of Aviation gala on January 19.
U.S. Navy pilot and world-renowned aviation author Fred George and U.S. pilot who held a world speed record from 1979 to 1989, Steve Hinton, will be the other two living legends inducted, CAE announced Thursday via press release .
“For as long as I can remember, I have always been passionate about aviation and driven by the desire to make the world a safer place. “It is with humility that I join the ranks of some of the most important figures in this industry,” said Marc Parent.
“Just as I was influenced by the 'living legends' who came before me, I hope the journeys of today's aviation leaders will inspire the next generation to become the living legends of tomorrow,” he added.
Marc Parent joined CAE in 2005 and became President and CEO in 2009. “Mr. Parent is focused on the future and continues to work to make the aerospace industry even more efficient, greener and safer than ever before,” said the Montreal company.
CAE is a technology company that provides training software solutions to support pilots, crew members, airlines, defense and security forces, and medical professionals.
With a 40-year career in the aviation industry, Mr. Parent earned his pilot's license at the age of 17 before earning a diploma in mechanical engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1984. Mr. Parent also holds a bachelor's degree as an engineer pilot for the airline Transport Canada.
He has held various positions throughout his career, including senior management at Bombardier, where he served as Vice President and General Manager, Operations – United States.
He was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2020 and was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame in 2021.
In 2022, he was named Industry Leader of the Year by the Living Legends of Aviation.
Living legends of aviation
“Legends” are aviation entrepreneurs, innovators, astronauts, industry leaders, record breakers, pilots who became famous, and celebrities who became pilots. They come together every year to celebrate individual achievements and advances in aviation history.