Montreal – October 22, 2021 – The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) engaged with representatives from numerous states and other international aviation associations over the past two weeks for the High-Level Conference on Covid-19 (HLCC) to support a harmonized restart of the air transport system. The central theme of “one vision for aviation recovery, resilience, and sustainability beyond the global pandemic” brought together states and industry. Global industry associations issued a joint statement [see statement here] supporting the commitment by ministers of transport and health to address the worldwide aviation crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“IBAC welcomes the discussions and outcomes of the Conference, and we are committed to supporting the efforts in a way that balances public health with safe, secure, and sustainable operations,” stated IBAC Director, ICAO Liaison, Andreas Meyer, “During the pandemic, business aviation has provided essential services with the transport of needed cargo and supplies, medical air services, and connecting remote areas, and continues to support the safe return to international business travel.”

IBAC joins the aviation industry in this commitment toward building long-term resilience through the enhancement of crisis response capabilities and drawing from lessons learned. The industry statement also includes the aviation community’s recent commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 to address climate change and position the industry for the future.

Kurt Edwards, Director General of IBAC, said “Working together with other sectors of the aviation industry is critical in times like these as we diligently move to safely restore international connectivity. We anticipate positive developments out the conference’s recommendations in advance of next year’s 41st ICAO Assembly.”

About IBAC

IBAC represents the interests of business aviation worldwide. IBAC is a non-profit, international trade association with official observer status at the International Civil Aviation Organization, the UN Specialized Agency for aviation matters, in Montreal, Canada. IBAC promotes and manages the industry-leading standards for best safety practices through its International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAOTM); International Standard for Business Aviation Handling (IS-BAHTM); Safety Management Tool Kit; SMS eLearning training; and Aircrew Identification Card.

Recently introduced in partnership with CTX, the IBAC Carbon Credit Exchange provides the business aviation community a reliable resource for real-time offsetting to reduce its carbon footprint. www.ibac.org