Arlington, Va. – The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) today announced that Simone Pérez has joined as Vice President of Civil Aviation, bringing with her extensive legislative and regulatory expertise as the organization looks to implement several key initiatives to modernize the National Airspace System and certification process.
“We’re thrilled to have Simone back at the Aerospace Industries Association. She knows civil aviation inside and out — from the legislative, regulatory, and industry perspectives,” AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning said. “As Vice President of Civil Aviation, she will be an incredible resource for our members as we push for bold reforms that will strengthen safety, drive innovation, and grow the American aerospace sector.”
In her new role, Pérez will lead AIA’s civil aviation policy agenda, advancing global aviation safety and competitiveness while supporting innovation and sustainable growth across the industry. She will work closely with member companies and domestic and international partners to shape policy on certification, rulemaking, emerging technologies, air traffic systems, environmental performance, and unmanned aerial systems integration, and will represent AIA in key global forums, including the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA).
Pérez brings more than a decade of senior experience across government, industry, and Capitol Hill. Most recently, she served as the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Assistant Administrator for Policy and Strategic Engagement, leading strategic policy, international aviation efforts, and agency‑wide initiatives. She has held senior aviation policy roles in both the U.S. Senate and House, where she helped draft and negotiate multiple FAA reauthorization and modernization bills. She previously served as AIA’s Senior Director of Civil Aviation from 2022-2023.
Pérez holds an M.A. in International Commerce and Public Policy from George Mason University and a B.A. in Government from Skidmore College.
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