Pilar Vera Palmes is a recognized advocate for air safety and the rights of victims and their families. Following the tragic crash of flight JK5022 at Madrid-Barajas Airport in 2008, which claimed 154 lives, Pilar dedicated herself to improving safety and supporting air crash victims. As President of the Association of Affected by Flight JK5022 since 2010 and Chairwoman of the Air Crash Victims' Families Federation International (ACVFFI), she has been instrumental in promoting the rights of victims at national, European, and international levels.

Pilar's efforts led to the establishment of the ICAO Victim and Family Assistance Policy and the recognition of ACVFFI by the ICAO Council in 2016. She also founded the A20 Aviation Safety Foundation in 2023 to continue these vital initiatives. Pilar has been a key advocate for the adoption of safety policies and the creation of the International Day of Victims and Families of Aircraft Accidents.

An accomplished speaker, Pilar has addressed numerous national and international forums, sharing valuable lessons learned from air disasters and working to improve emergency management practices and victim assistance worldwide.