The 94th FAI General Conference starts in Montreux Switzerland on 17th October 2001. Over 35 countries are expected to be represented.

At the Opening Ceremony, the FAI Gold Space Medal will be presented to Mr Yuri Koptev, Director of the Russian Space Agency, for his work in directing the highly succesful MIR space station project. Also present will be Cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev, a veteran of MIR and member of the first crew to occupy the new International Space Station. He will receive the Yuri Gagarin Gold Medal for his achievements in the conquest of space.

The Conference will consider new applications for FAI membership from Albania, Chinese Taipei, and Uruguay, and will discuss proposals for ensuring that all national member organisations of FAI are fully representative of their individual members.

The main matter for discussion will be future policy for the World Air Games. Proposals for a revised concept, incorporating lessons learned in 2001, are being drawn up for delegates to consider.