The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) has appointed Kurt Edwards as its new director general with immediate effect.

"Kurt Edwards brings to the organisation substantial experience in international aviation issues," says IBAC chairman Peter Gatz. "Previous to coming to IBAC, he served in high-level capacities with the International Affairs and Environment Offices of the US Federal Aviation Administration. He also led FAA outreach efforts while based in Brussels and Paris, as well as at ICAO on environmental matters."

Edwards replaces Donald Spruston, the previous director general who served from 1999 to the present. Spruston announced last year his intent to step down. Since that time the IBAC board has conducted a comprehensive global search to find a replacement with the capability of continuing the development of business aviation policies and interests on issues such as safety, security, air traffic management and the environment.

IBAC is the international non-governmental organisation that represents the interests of business aviation operators from around the world in international forums, primarily ICAO.

Its members, including the EBAA and other European and Middle East groups, are national and regional associations that work together to coordinate global policies and positions for the business aviation community and to represent the community in international rule-making and policy-making work. IBAC's principal office is located in Montreal, Canada, in the headquarters building of ICAO.