A Word From Our Director General

Kurt Edwards
It was a pleasure to start the month at Corporate Jet Investor in London. There were many quality discussions with business aviation leaders and I took away from the conference a sense of optimism for and among the industry.

That said, I heard concern over some key items that IBAC will continue to monitor: the Global Solidarity Levy initiative and Europe’s press for incorporating non-CO₂ emissions into the EU ETS. On the latter point, ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) has established a group to study the science on this matter—specifically, whether and to what degree aviation’s non-CO2 emissions may contribute to a warming atmosphere—and understand better what, if any, types of measures could reasonably address the impact.

As the new year has kicked off, we look forward to introducing IBAC to the new ICAO Council President and new members of the Council. About one third of the 36 representatives to the Council are new, following elections at the 42^nd Assembly in the fall. We will undertake visits in February alongside joining the Montreal International Affairs Council (CORIM) for a speech by Eric Martel, CEO of Bombardier, an IBAC Industry Partner.

NBAA’s International Operators Conference will take place in San Diego in early March. The IBAC Policy and Operations Committee will hold its meeting following IOC.

ICAO and Environment

Capt. Claude Hurley, Director, Environment & Flight Operations The outcomes of the 42nd ICAO Assembly (A42) will drive much of the work of the ICAO Council and Air Navigation Commission (ANC) this year. As such – and building on last month’s IBAC ICAO update – what follows is a summary of key A42 decisions, many of which reflect advocacy initiatives that IBAC co-sponsored:

• Global Planning: Endorsement of the 2026–2028 Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and the 8th Edition of the Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP), which now includes a “minimum implementation path” for technical upgrades with the potential for future integration of elements of the industry-led Complete Air Traffic System (CATS).

• Emerging Airspace: Development of regulatory frameworks for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) licensing and a global framework for cross-border unmanned aircraft (UAS) operations, including an interim solution for safe UAS flights over the high seas.

• Avionics Resilience: Urgent mandates to protect radio altimeter spectrum from 5G/6G interference and expedited standardization of solutions to mitigate GNSS radio frequency interference (GNSS RFI – jamming & spoofing).

• Safety & Standards: Advancement of digital personnel licensing, a reassessment of global halon reserves for fire suppression, and expanded research into cognitive fatigue and information overload in digital cockpits.

• Safety Audits: ICAO will develop a structured mechanism to use “safety intelligence” from audit results to inform and evolve future Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

• Operational Facilitation & Crisis Response: Approved a framework to facilitate the rapid movement of aircraft and crews during disaster responses. Additionally, ICAO will investigate the expansion of Advance Passenger Information (API) requirements to include general aviation and non-scheduled operators to combat irregular migration.

• Security and Emerging Tech: Actionable outcomes include a dedicated work programme for conflict zone risk mitigation and the establishment of regulatory security standards for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and UAS. A42 also supported a Next Generation Aviation Professional (NGAP) strategy to address global workforce shortages.

• Environmental Policy: A critical A42 decision was confirming CORSIA as the “only global market-based measure” to prevent a fragmented “patchwork” of regional taxes or levies that could disproportionately affect international operators. The Assembly also formalized the ACT-LTAG assistance framework to help States implement decarbonization roadmaps.

Industry Partner Programme

Leo Knaapen, Head, Industry Partner Programme

A top priority this new year is to encourage more business aviation leaders from around the world to join IBAC’s global cause to help shape international standards, most of which are then adopted and applied as national CAA regulations.

• The Industry Partner Programme (IPP) currently stands at 28 IPP members, a YOY increase from 19 members since January 2025. The IPP family now includes 7 Industry Partners; 10 Associates; and 11 Operator Affiliates. These members are headquartered in United States (11); United Kingdom (7); and Canada (5) – and one each in Brazil; France; Luxembourg; Switzerland; and United Arab Emirates. Discussions are progressing nicely with several potential members based in other regions and should be announced shortly.

• Another key priority in 2026 is making available opportunities to represent IBAC at key ICAO events and technical working groups. Welcome news on this front, too, with several IPP members recently volunteering their interest and support; to this end, the details are now being finalized and expectations developed before formally starting the ICAO nomination process. Reminder that the exclusive, semi-annual Industry Advisory Forum is a prime opportunity for IPP members to get involved and discuss these opportunities.

• This last week was a very successful Corporate Jet Investor-London with a capacity crowd. Next is the NBAA’s International Operators Conference on 01-03 March in San Diego. And just over the horizon is EBACE 2026, set for 02-04 June in Geneva.

Ending on a personal note: it is now three years since I joined IBAC to lead IPP, believe it or not! To date, it’s been a great experience – both educational and energizing — a privilege I never take for granted … and a responsibility I take very seriously! Colleagues, many thanks for your guidance, support and confidence as, together, we build the global community for Business Aviation.

IS-BAO

Andrew Karas, IS-BAO Programme Director• IS-BAO Program: 2026 is shaping up to be a busy and impactful year as IS-BAO continues to support business aircraft operators through leadership in global safety initiatives. The work will include active engagement in ICAO Annex updates, participation in RPAS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) working groups, and close collaboration with civil aviation authorities on safety enhancement projects. Together, these efforts reinforce IS-BAO’s role in advancing best practices, strengthening safety management systems, and supporting the evolving operational environment for business aviation worldwide. Stay up to date with IBAC and the IS-BAO Programme: IBAC News Signup

• The IS-BAO Initial and Recurrent workshop schedule has been posted through July 2026. Registration with IS-BAO Initial Workshop includes 1-year access to the online IS-BAO Protocol Standardization Course (IPS). The IPS is a self-paced, step-by-step review of each IS-BAO section. Signup here for the IS-BAO Initial or Recurrent Course: just IBAC Workshops and Training

• Business Aviation Security Course is offered every 2–3 months, so be sure to check our schedule for upcoming dates. Presented by the IS-BAO and IS-BAH team, the course is led by Eric Schouten, a globally recognized security expert and Founder of Dyami Security Intelligence, bringing extensive experience in aviation security, risk management, and threat assessment. IBAC Workshops and Training

• New PSA Spotlights are now being produced and accessible on the IBAC website. This new series of brief videos offers details and insight regarding PSA services that can be useful to the IS-BAO community. These short, recorded introductions are meant to inform and support continuous improvement on the IS-BAO or IS-BAH journey. Recordings are available at PSA Spotlights.

Upcoming Events for the IS-BAO Team:

• NBAA International Operators Conference 2026: Join the IBAC team in San Diego, California 1-3 March

• Verticon 2026: Daniel Devraignes, IS-BAO Deputy Director will attend Verticon in Atlanta, Georgia, 10-12 March to engage with industry professionals and discuss best practices in safety and operational excellence within the rotor-wing and RPAS community. Stop by the IBAC booth in the Safety Zone #B2815.

IS-BAH

Terry Yeomans, Programme Director

• IS-BAH participated in the recent ICAO EUR/NAT region ground handling discussions last week.

• Special dedicated (closed) EASA GH workshops are scheduled for 16-17 February.

• Bookings for IS-BAH Fundamentals workshops are open for 24-25 February, register at IBAC Workshops and Training

• IS-BAH Audit Manager, Steven Abreu-Hill will be connecting with visitors to booth # S-727 at the NBAA Regional Forum in Miami 25 February.

Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his career in aviation and has worked in most areas of our industry with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc currently represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Continued Airworthiness Group and with the Association for Remotely Piloted Aviation Services (ARPAS). 

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities.  The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after six years to continue our good work for industry. With the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to undertake this work with the regulator including regular discussions and a full industry day with the CAA each year.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum, which allows industry in the UK to discuss the financial plans for the CAA and look closely at the services being delivered to industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. 

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform” .  The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. 

The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Moving into 2026 we are seeking to further develop the pathways to enter aviation, and this effort is being supported with development of multimedia platforms with the organisation Metaverse. This multimedia approach is being developed so that it is more relatable to the next generation of people wishing to join aviation in a myriad of roles.

In the role of President (honorary) Marc can support the BBGA in many aspects and continue to ensure that we retain the right connections across industry, with regulators in the UK, regulators in the EU and wherever possible help hold government and its departments to account using normal channels, and where necessary utilise All Party-Political Groups for aviation.

BBGA Annual Conference and AGM

BBGA House of Commons Reception

A Word From Our Director General

ICAO and Environment

Industry Partner Programme

Upcoming Events for the IS-BAO Team:

IS-BAH

Join BBGA

British Business and General Aviation Association

A Word From Our Director General

ICAO and Environment

Industry Partner Programme

Upcoming Events for the IS-BAO Team:

IS-BAH

Join BBGA

British Business and General Aviation Association

James Carroll

Alison Chambers

Paul Cremer

Jason Hayward

James Moreton

James Hardie

Aoife O’Sullivan

Alex Durand

Marc Bailey

Sarah Towerzey

Heather Gordon

Lindsey Oliver