BBGA Conference 2009

The 2009 BBGA Conference, held at Sopwell House, St. Albans, was yet again one of the year’s leading events in the Business and General Aviation industry calendar. The event was supported by almost 200 leading representatives from industry, politics and regulators gathered to hear from world-class speakers.

The conference provided its traditional mixture of legislative, commercial and informational talks and despite the busy schedule ran to time throughout, thus enabling the equally important networking and Q&A sessions following each group of presentations. If you were unable to attend this year as a delegate, you will find copies of the presentations made below.

This year’s conference was honoured with an opening speech by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, the BBGA Patron, followed by the Keynote address from Lord Carlile of Berriew Q.C. on Security for Business and General Aviation. Both speakers gave a very positive outlook for the industry reinforcing the significant economic contribution made by the industry. This message was strongly reinforced by a scene-setting presentation from Mal Bozic of Pricewaterhouse Coopers, who detailed the findings of their recent EBAA-sponsored research into the value of Business Aviation to European economies.

With leading representatives from EASA, CAA, NATS. European Commission and IBAC making presentations and taking questions, BBGA members were able to benefit from latest information on key issues – straight from those in the know. The presentations also covered the new EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), which will impact all operators of aircraft over 5,700kg MTOW starting this year, 2009. The Safety session addressed thorny issues such as the carriage of TCAS in congested airspace and what the Business & General Aviation community is achieving in partnership with the authorities to improve our level-bust statistics and enhance our safety levels.

The afternoon saw two parallel sessions running simultaneously, one on Business and commercial issues, and the other covering topics of particular interest to Engineering companies including how to access government training funding and the latest developments in licensing accreditation. Both parallel sessions were well received by delegates, and BBGA plans to expand the breakout format in future conferences with a targeted drive to encourage more members’ technical staff to attend.

Planning for next year’s event is already underway, and we will be alerting members of the 2010 conference date and outline an agenda shortly. See you there…