A Word From Our Director General

Kurt Edwards Let me start by thanking the representatives to the IBAC Governing Board for joining the 83^rd meeting late last week. Most Member Associations were represented in the virtual forum which spanned time zones from Western Canada to East Asia. We had good discussions, and I appreciated the guidance on moving forward on CORE, preparations for the 7^th Worldwide Air Transport Conference in November, and a new policy on participating on IBAC delegations to ICAO events and technical bodies. We look forward to the next board meeting, in person, in Las Vegas following NBAA BACE in October.

IBAC will participate in a number of activities in June, including CBAA’s annual conference in Calgary and the Elite Wings Aviation Summit in Montreal. Moreover, the ICAO Council and Air Navigation Commission will wrap up the current session at the end of June before breaking for the summer, with a number of policy and technical matters before them. The Advanced Air Mobility Study Group will also meet in late June. IBAC is pleased to participate in all of these June meetings and conferences.

ICAO and Environment Capt. Claude Hurley, Director, Environment & Flight Operations
• The ICAO Air Navigation Commission (ANC) is in its 232nd Session, focused on advancing critical safety and efficiency provisions with the goal to deliver a substantial package of near-term technical and operational measures to strengthen aviation safety, efficiency, and modernization. Core priorities include updates to Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and guidance material on digital certificates, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Detect-And-Avoid (DAA) systems, Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) III, Performance-Based Aerodrome Operating Minima (PBAOM), wake turbulence separation, runway safety, emergency response planning, surveillance and satellite communications, and air traffic flow management, while also advancing the work needed to implement a global trust framework for digital aviation. At the strategic level, the ANC is also reviewing outcomes from technical Panels covering flight operations, airworthiness, surveillance, RPAS, the safe carriage of goods, as well as updates from regional implementation groups, while beginning work on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence governance, and the implications of Assembly decisions for future technical programmes.

• Looking ahead to the 233rd ANC Session (Fall 2026), we’ll see a continuing strategic shift from near-term technical updates toward broader transformation of the aviation system, The ANC will prioritize preparations for a potential Third High-Level Safety Conference being planned for 2027 (HLSC 2027). Key areas of focus for SARP amendments will include airworthiness and maintenance harmonization, the expansion of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) across more aviation professions, a further modernization of personnel licensing, and a high-level framework for the use of artificial intelligence in aviation. Technical and operational priorities will advance next-generation communications, navigation, and ATM capabilities—including space-based VHF, LDACS, Galileo authentication, SWIM-enabled meteorological services, and advanced operational procedures—while also progressing interim arrangements for unmanned aircraft operations (UAS) over the high seas and RPAS integration at aerodromes. The ANC is also planning to prioritize previously deferred work on ground handling, runway surface condition reporting, cybersecurity, and innovation. Collectively, these activities illustrate ICAO’s growing focus on digital transformation, automation, integration of new entrants, data-driven operations, and the modernization of the global regulatory framework needed to support aviation through the next decade.

• On the near horizon, ICAO is hosting Climate Week 2026 in early June, structured around the “One Global Path” mission to accelerate the aviation industry’s transition toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 (similar to IBAC’s goals as outlined in the Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change (BACCC)). The three-day programme features a comprehensive agenda beginning with deep dives into the latest climate science regarding CO2 and non-CO2 emissions, aircraft technology standards, and strategies for infrastructure resilience. A significant portion of the event is dedicated to the scaling of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), with sessions focused on policy frameworks, innovative production pathways, and enhancing project bankability through the ICAO Finvest Hub and ACT-SAF initiatives. Additionally, the programme addresses the practical implementation of the Long-Term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG) through State Action Plans and provides critical status updates on CORSIA as the primary global market-based measure. The week will conclude by emphasizing the necessity of cross-sector partnerships and coordinated global action to transform these environmental policies into a sustainable reality.

Industry Partner Programme Leo Knaapen, Head, Industry Partner Programme

• Industry Advisory Forum/05: Thirty-seven delegates participated in our IAF/05 on 21 May – the highest attendance from our five IAF sessions to date. This included 26 IPP attendees representing 22 IPP member organizations, together with a handful of IBAC Member Associations and the IBAC leadership team.

The IAF/05 focused on three principal topics including; State-of-the-Market: prepared and delivered by RVA Associates; Iranian Conflict: prepared by the Middle East Business Aviation Association; ICAO Air Transport Conference: a key upcoming ICAO event that provides multiple opportunities for our Business Aviation sector. • In other developments, IBAC issued a news release last month introducing six (6) new members who joined IPP from 01 January 1 – 31 May 2026; an average of slightly more than 1 new member per month. Their global roots are worth noting as we continue building a global community for Business Aviation: they hail from Turkey, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, UK and US. IBAC’s announcement generated solid coverage by aviation/trade press which, in turn, triggered inquiries by several operators and aircraft management companies wanting to learn more about IPP. IPP currently has 31 members, all in good standing. • This month, I’ll be attending the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) annual convention in Calgary on 09-11 June and will then moderate a panel at the Elite Wings Aviation Summit in Montreal on 17-18 June.

IS-BAO Andrew Karas, IS-BAO Programme Director

• ICAO Safety Management Panel– Stephane DeWolf, IS-BAO Safety and Regulatory Affairs Manager, led the latest meeting of the ICAO Safety Management Panel as Acting Chairman in Brisbane, Australia, in late May. The Panel is reviewing the draft 5th Edition of the Safety Management Manual and discussing future developments to the global safety management framework. Progress was made on revisions to guidance material, including updates to risk management concepts and the identification of topics requiring further development in future editions, with industry input contributing to the discussions. These developments are important to the global aviation community because they will help shape future international safety management guidance and oversight practices, supporting greater harmonization across the industry.

• North Atlantic Track– Gary Dietz, advisor to IBAC and instructor with Scott IPC, attended the latest meeting of the ICAO North Atlantic Technology and Interoperability Group. Revisions to the Oceanic Errors Safety Bulletin are being implemented to consolidate information and data from performance reports. Additionally, airspace providers and industry are developing and testing processes for receiving oceanic reroutes. Operators are encouraged to stay tuned for updates from the NBAA International Operators Committee and other IBAC member associations.

• Business Aviation Security Course: This course has been rescheduled to 22-23 June 2026. It is designed for those seeking to enhance their security programs and gain insight into current and emerging threats to aviation. Key topics include conflict zone risk assessments, global health advisories, and other evolving risks affecting aviation operations. Presented by Dyami and IS-BAO/IS-BAH, participants are encouraged to register today at Business Aviation Security. Capacity is limited to enhance the interaction.

• Seeking RPAS-Credentialed Auditors – The RPAS sector within business aviation is expanding rapidly and IS-BAO is actively supporting its growth. We offer a clear pathway for auditors to earn their RPAS credential as operator registrations continue to rise. Register for the course here: IS-BAO RPAS Auditor Training

• IS-BAO Training Schedule Updated – Our IS-BAO Initial and Recurrent courses are now scheduled through September 2026.

• PSA Spotlights and IS-BAO SafetyNet Webinars – New Programme Support Affiliate (PSA) Spotlights and SafetyNet webinar recordings have been uploaded, covering key safety management topics. Watch here at IS-BAO SafetyNet Webinars or on the IBAC YouTube Channel. Upcoming topics are being presented by Trust Flight and Polaris Aero. Stay tuned!

IS-BAH – Terry Yeomans, Programme Director

IS-BAH Standards Board 12 took place virtually on Monday 01st June, had over 20 attendees. Lou Sorrentino ended his term as Chair this year. His three years in the Chari role brought a breath of fresh air and a level of enthusiasm that only Lou can deliver, we thank Lou for his efforts and continued support for the IS-BAH as he continues to be a valued member of the Standards Board.

• Ben Hammond (Pentastar Aviation) is the new incoming Standards Board Chair for three next three-year cycle. Ben will be supported by the newly elected Vice Chair – Jennifer van Winkle (SundtAir). Congratulations and many thanks to both Ben and Jennifer!

• The ICAO Ground Handling Task Force (GHTF) met on 2 June to discuss further work on updating the ICAO manual on ground handling (Doc 10121). IBAC continues to participate in this important ongoing work.

• The next IS-BAH workshops are 9-10 June (Fundamentals) and 24-25 June (Auditing).

• IS-BAH will also participate in the next EASA Ground Handling implementation webinar on the 16^th of June.

• Stage 1 registrations now sit at 363, with 7 more initial Stage 1 registration audits in progress.

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.

Isle of Man Conference

BBGA House of Commons Reception

BBGA Universal Aviation 2026 Golf Tournament

A Word From Our Director General

IS-BAH – Terry Yeomans, Programme Director

Join BBGA

British Business and General Aviation Association

A Word From Our Director General

IS-BAH – Terry Yeomans, Programme Director

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