Gérard Théron passes away
It is with deep sadness that the Académie de l’air et de l’espace (AAE) has learned of the death of Gérard Théron, on May 28, 2025, at the age of 79.
Born on May 11, 1946 in Lyon, Gérard Théron has devoted his professional life to the excellence of aeronautical propulsion, in particular at Aérospatiale and then Airbus, where he held a number of leading positions. He was elected a correspondent of the Académie on June 11, 2012, and a full member of Section 2 on June 14, 2018.
A particularly active member of the Académie’s Civil Aeronautics commission, he brought his expertise to bear with rigor and passion, contributing in particular to collective thinking on the technological and environmental challenges of air propulsion.
A career in aeronautical innovation
An engineer by training, Gérard Théron began his career in 1972 at Aérospatiale, in the Aerodynamics and Performance of Propulsion Systems departments. He was involved in such emblematic programs as Concorde, A300, A310, A320 and the ATR 42 and 72. He became head of the Propulsion Systems Performance department in 1990.
Seconded to Airbus Central Entity between 1990 and 2001, he was first deputy then head of the Propulsion Systems department. In this capacity, he was responsible for technical relations with engine manufacturers for major programs such as the A319, A321, A330, A340 and A340-600.
From 2001 to 2009, he was appointed Head of the Airbus Propulsion Competence Centre (CoC Propulsion), where he also acted as Executive Expert and Aircraft Architect. He played a central role in the development phases of the A380 and A400M, as well as in the launch and pre-launch of the A350 and A320NEO programs, embodying the technical rigor and long-term vision typical of great aeronautical engineers.
Well-deserved recognition
Gérard Théron’s remarkable career was recognized in 2008 when he was awarded the médaille de l’Aéronautique for his outstanding contribution to the French and European aeronautics industry.
The Académie de l’air et de l’espace pays tribute to the memory of a highly competent, passionate and deeply committed man, whose work had a lasting impact on the field of aeronautical propulsion. It sends its most sincere condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.
