The International Business Aviation Council has selected Andrew Karas as the new IS-BAO programme director. He is replacing former director, Bennet Walsh, who recently became the safety and security director for Hawaiian Airlines.

As a licensed airline transport pilot, certified flight instructor and unmanned aircraft pilot, Karas has over 20 years' experience in the US Air Force and with business aviation operations. His aviation expertise includes flight training, standardisation, compliance and the managing and application of safety management systems. He is type rated in Gulfstream V, Bombardier Global Express, King Air 200 and Lockheed C130 types and has logged more than 4,000 hours total flight time.

Most recently, Karas was a GV captain for a Stage III IS-BAO-registered Part 91 and 135 operator in Florida where he was responsible for SMS administration and standard procedure adherence. He is a certified business continuity professional (CBCP) specialising in risk management, a graduate of Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in Aviation, and he earned a master's degree in International Relations from St. Mary's University.

“Andrew has an impressive background in military and civil aviation along with a strong commitment to safety, professionalism and teamwork, all important attributes for his new role,” comments IBAC director general, Kurt Edwards. “We welcome Andrew aboard and look forward to working with him to expand the success of our IS-BAO programme around the world.”

Karas will join IBAC in October, in time for the annual meeting of the IS-BAO programme standards board the same week.

IBAC first introduced the IS-BAO programme in 2002 and has enrolled more than 1,000 operators since it all began. Recent additions to the internationally recognised programme include FlightPlan Stage I, an all inclusive rapid path to Stage I for small operators, and the Progressive Stage III option for operators with a mature SMS who are looking for more.