Irish-born aerospace leader John Slattery has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors at Orbis International, the global eye‑care NGO renowned in aviation circles for its MD‑10 Flying Eye Hospital – a fully accredited teaching hospital built into an aircraft. His appointment, effective 1st January 2026, strengthens the organisation’s longstanding connection to the aviation industry while underscoring Slattery’s deep personal commitment to tackling avoidable blindness worldwide. Slattery’s relationship with Orbis began nearly two decades ago when he first encountered the Flying Eye Hospital while living in New York in the early 2000s. Drawn to the unique blend of aviation innovation and medical purpose, he joined the Orbis Board of Directors in 2006, serving until 2013 before being named Board Member Emeritus. He later rejoined the board in 2023, contributing to both the Development Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. His fundraising leadership has been significant, including helping deliver Orbis’s record‑breaking 2025 gala.
Slattery’s passion for eye‑care access is tied not only to a global health perspective but to personal experience. Growing up in the west of Ireland, he watched his mother dedicate one day each week to visiting blind individuals in their community, offering companionship and support. He has described his work with Orbis as a legacy and tribute to her influence, reinforcing his belief that avoidable blindness is one of the most solvable global health challenges. With 90% of vision loss globally being treatable or preventable, he sees the potential for meaningful change within our lifetime and emphasises the unique role aviation can play in that effort.
His extensive aviation background positions him strongly to lead an organisation whose flagship programme is an aircraft-based hospital. Slattery has held senior executive roles such as President & CEO of GE Aviation and President & CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. He currently serves as Chairman of Forgital Group, a global aerospace manufacturer, and is recognised as a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, reflecting his broad industry influence. In his new role, he aims to strengthen partnerships across the aviation sector to support Orbis’s global training and treatment programmes, ensuring the Flying Eye Hospital continues to serve as both a symbol and a practical tool for delivering essential ophthalmic skills and care in underserved regions.
Slattery has stated that he is “honoured” to take on the role and committed to ensuring that avoidable blindness “never stands in the way of someone’s potential,” a mission he plans to pursue by deepening collaboration with board members, staff, partners, and the aviation community. His appointment marks an important moment not only for Orbis but also for the Irish aviation community, highlighting the global impact an Irish leader can have in a humanitarian field where aviation and medicine intersect in a uniquely powerful way.
