The councils of both the Business Aircraft Users Association (BAUA) and the General Aviation Manufacturers and Traders Association (GAMTA) have announced that after several months of collaboration, co-operation and encouragement from members, they have decided that the two associations should merge.

Both councils have passed resolutions to that effect with the result that the two organisations are now in the process of becoming one.

Mark Wilson will become the chief executive of the merged association and will continue to represent the interests of all involved with General Aviation, be they manufacturers, maintenance facilities, operators or traders.

John Batty will have specific responsibility representing members involved with business aviation.

Said a spokesman: “The arrangement means Mark and John can maximise their time and better represent the combined membership at all levels.”

With approximately 160 member companies, the new association will represent the full spectrum of general aviation, from flight training aircraft to high-end business jets, combining all disciplines within one organisation.

Said chief executive Mark Wilson: “This merger gives the UK business and general aviation community the strongest possible voice, both nationally and, via our membership of the EBAA, IBAC and ECOGAS, internationally.”

The working title for the new organisation is the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA). It was formally launched at a reception at the House of Commons on July 20.

The main office, with support staff, will continue to operate from Brill with a satellite office in Farnborough.