The Irish Business Aviation Association was officially launched on February 19th during the Future of Business Aviation Conference, at Heathrow Airport, London.

The aim of the Association is to promote the growth and effectiveness of the business aviation industry in Ireland by representation, monitoring, co-operation, promotion and information. In addition, IBAA plan to have representation in Europe as a member of the European Council for General Aviation Support (ECOGAS) and plans to work closely with the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA).

The launch Members are:

According to founder Bas de Bruijn, “Establishing the IBAA is a great step forward for the industry in Ireland. By uniting the Irish Aviation community and banding together as a group, we can utilize all of our collective worldwide experience to help make Ireland a better place for business and general aviation."

"We have had great feedback from the international business aviation community so far and we are looking forward representing the industry here in Ireland. We have a great management team supporting the association with a broad experience in the aviation industry.”

(L to R) Joe McDermott (Chairman), Helene Wall Horan (CEO) and David P Scully (President) at the launch of the Irish Business Aviation Association last week.

Dave Scully said “We hope to work closely with our colleagues at the European Business Aviation Association to cover the areas of Engineering, Flight Training & Safety. We would like to become members of the International Business Aviation Council so we have access to the decision makers at ICAO, the global body for aviation regulation. We also aim to affiliate with other organisations in various countries allowing us to interact with the IAA, EASA, Irish Government and the EU to better the fortunes of all sectors of Ireland’s business aviation industry.”

Present at the launch was Jim O’Sullivan, owner of Dublin based Exchequer Aircraft Leasing who remarked, “This is a very welcome development & will provide an excellent platform for business aviation interests in Ireland to co-operate into the future.”

Pat Forde, Managing Director of South Aer Aviation Services (FBO) at Cork International Airport also welcomed the IBAA launch; “The IBAA will represent all stake holders in the sector, including FBOs, AOC holders, Charter Brokers, Leasing Agents, Part 145 facilities as well as Regional & International Airports.”