The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) has appointed industry veteran Leo Knaapen as head of the IBAC Industry Partner Programme. Leo joined IBAC following his retirement from Bombardier in December 2022, where he was chief of industry affairs.
Kurt Edwards, director general, IBAC said, “It is my pleasure to welcome Leo to the growing IBAC team. He brings to this new role at IBAC a depth of experience as a worldwide industry leader and an important contributor to IBAC and other key industry organizations. Through the Industry Partner Programme, Leo will lead efforts to grow IBAC’s capabilities to serve the global business aviation community at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). We are excited to have his passion and enthusiasm for business aviation, which will undoubtedly help IBAC expand our advocacy and reach for the industry.”
Leo Knaapen said, “I am excited to join IBAC and look forward to strengthening the global business aviation industry at the ICAO level whilst encouraging a broader Industry engagement across the business aviation sector. I have witnessed first-hand the important results generated by this modest team of professionals and how its diligence and expertise have quietly benefitted aircraft operators, manufacturers, and service providers. “It’s now time to spread the word and build our partner base, so IBAC can accelerate the good work already underway and address emerging issues.”
Ali Alnaqbi, chairman of the IBAC Governing Board said, “We are excited to have Leo join IBAC and look forward to working with him to build an interactive global business aviation community and advance IBAC’s work at ICAO.”
