On the eve of Charles III's visit to Paris

Since 1957, the Association des journalistes professionnels de l'aéronautique et de l'espace (AJPAE) has awarded the prix Icare each year, in recognition of the work and commitment of a personality or team in the aeronautical or space field.

The first prize went to the heroic test pilot Charles Goujon (1912-1957).

This year, it was the Patrouille de France, the Air Force's famous air and space formation, that was honored, on the occasion of its seventieth anniversary and for its contribution to the influence of French aeronautics around the world.

The ceremony was held on September 19 in Paris, on the premises of the Aéroclub de France, in the presence of the nine pilots of the patrol, who were due to fly over the Champs-Elysées the following day in honor of the visit to France of the King of England, Charles III, crowned on May 6 last.

This operation will be carried out this September 20 between 2:25 pm and 2:51 pm by the PAF, but also by the Royal Air Force.

Retained with a large majority

It was the dynamic German journalist based in Paris, Gesche Wüpper, president of the AJPAE, who presented the Icare prize on September 19 explaining :" Among the nine teams in the running, four proposals weré retained for this prize and submitted to the electronic votes of our journalists affiliated to our association. The Patrouille de France was elected by a large majority.

Commander Aurélien Declercq, leader of the PAF, said in particular in his speech of thanks : " The Icare 2023 aeronautical and space prize awarded to the Patrouille de France enriches this anniversary year. The Patrouille de France draws on its past and its roots to better look to the future. "