Established in 1983 in Toulouse on the initiative of André Turcat, the aims of the National Air and Space Academy are the following: "To encourage the development of high quality scientific, technical, cultural and human actions in the realms of Air and Space, promote knowledge in these areas and constitute a focal point for activities." Its members, who come from all walks of aerospace life – pilots, astronauts, scientists, engineers, doctors, manufacturers, economists, lawyers, artists ... – all work together to achieve these essential goals.

In order to reflect the realities of the European environment, whilst at the same time maintaining the progress realised thanks to its French roots, the general assembly, in its session of 19 June 2006, decided that the Academy's official name would change to: Air & Space Academy.