Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi, the founding Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), has started a new role as Vice Chairman of the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC). 

The three-year appointment commenced this month following his election in December last year.

The IBAC board serves the diverse needs of business aviation across the globe and is involved in all International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forums that affect business aviation, in addition to directing the council.  

“I am honoured to have been elected to the Vice Chairman position of the IBAC Board,” Al Naqbi said. “This opportunity to guide the business aviation sector is a perfect synergy with my passion for the industry and previous achievements. I look forward to driving the industry forward in the next three years in this role.” 

This is a key milestone for Al Naqbi and a testament to the incredible success MEBAA has achieved in the 10 years since its founding.  MEBAA received IBAC approval almost immediately after its inception, when Al Naqbi announced his intention to unite the business aviation community in the Middle East and North Africa under a single banner representing 25 counties throughout the region.

In addition, MEBAA has had a significant impact on drafting legislation and rules specific to business aviation in the entire region.  As a result of these successes along with Al Naqbi’s commitment and dedication to business aviation he is the first Arab to hold this position within the council, after previously serving as the treasurer for three years. 

MEBAA is the official representative of the business aviation industry in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and is a member of the IBAC. MEBAA is a non-profit association established in 2006 with the mission to provide a platform for members of the business aviation industry in the MENA region to gather, understand and communicate the needs and benefits of the industry.

As part of its current growth strategy, MEBAA seeks to implement operational safety and efficiency by providing best in-practice training, lectures and conferences, establishing codes of conduct, and providing industry data. Today, MEBAA represents over 253 companies within the Mena region and provides a number of products and services to its members, including MEBAA Insurance. In addition to various networking events, MEBAA hosts the MEBAA Show in Dubai, which ranks as the third largest business aviation show in the world and MEBAA Show Morocco.

IBAC is a non-profit international trade association with permanent observer status at the ICAO, the UN specialised agency for aviation matters, in Montreal, Canada.