The future of the business aviation industry is to be discussed among industry leaders at the Royal Aeronautical Society’s (RAeS) first event dedicated to the sector. The ‘Time to Rethink Business Aviation’ event will take place on April 25 at 6pm in Mayfair in London, and is supported by the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA).
Discussion will examine the current challenges in the industry, such as the lack of clarity over changing political landscapes, the need to remain attractive as an employment sector, being at the forefront in environmental improvement, how to overcome barriers to growth, and securing access to key airports.
Panelists and speakers include:
• Richard Koe, managing director of WINGX-Advance;
• Dave Edwards, director, Synergy Aviation;
• Brian Humphries, president, EBAA;
• Charlotte Pedersen, CEO, Luxaviation Helicopters;
• Steve Varsano, managing director, The Jet Business;
• Aoife O’Sullivan, partner, The Air Law Firm;
• Marwan Khalek, CEO, Gama Aviation and BBGA chairman;
• Nick Rose, director, business aviation, London City Airport;
• Mark Swan, director safety and airspace regulation, CAA; and
• Steven Brown, COO, NBAA.
Attendees will include industry advocates, enthusiasts and politicians. The Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA), European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) are also endorsing the initiative.
Marc Bailey, chief executive of the BBGA, said, “The RAeS is a tremendously well respected institution globally, so the fact that it has chosen to broaden its scope and look more deeply at business and general aviation is a ringing endorsement for our sector and the BBGA, as its national association.
“Our key driver is to get our voice heard among influencers, and this is a perfect opportunity. We look forward to attending the first iteration of what we hope will be more relevant and topical events at No 4 Hamilton Place.”
Simon Luxmoore, FRAeS, chief executive of the RAeS, added, “We are increasing our activity in the area of business aviation because of the large number of benefits it brings to the national economy and society generally. As we look to the future and enter a new period of political uncertainty it is more important than ever to look at the barriers to this sector’s growth and consider how we can overcome them.
“The RAeS has a strong pedigree in bringing industry groups together to surmount major sector-wide challenges and we are delighted to play a key role in supporting business aviation in the same way.”
