Brink, the 34th President of the FAI since the appointment of Prince Roland Bonaparte in 1905, was chosen for the role by secret ballot and will serve a two-year term.

The 70-year-old Dutchman, a former politician, succeeds Sweden's John Grubbström, who had reached the maximum three-term limit.

"I would like to thank all those who have put their trust in me to head the FAI," said Brink. 

"I feel honoured by the confidence they showed by choosing me. 

"I will do my best to fulfil my duties."

Brink, who has owned a private pilot's licence since 1986, has a wealth of experience in sports administration.

He has been President of the Royal Netherlands Aeronautical Association and an FAI Executive Board member for four years.

The veteran official, a former Mayor of Stadskanaal, Veenendaal and Nieuwleusen, was also a vice-president of the Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation.

Brink has vowed to use his experience to ensure the sport he now leads has a "bright future".

"I have been active in sports administration for almost forty years at regional, national and international level" he added. 

"As President, I will put my experience in the service of the FAI family and the whole air sports community, whether they be elite athletes or air sports enthusiasts."

"Together with the Executive Board and the excellent head office team led by the secretary general in Lausanne, we will manage the bright future of air sports."

Bengt Lindgren of Sweden, Mary Anne Stevens of Canada and Luxembourg's Jean-Claude Weber were elected vice-presidents, with New Zealand's Bob Henderson, Alvaro De Orleans Borbon of Spain and Iceland's Agust Gudmundsson all keeping their seats on the ruling Board.