The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) joins the global business aviation community in grieving for the loss of David C Bell, former chief executive officer for the Australian Business Aviation Association for nearly 20 years. Bell spent a lifetime in aviation and touched many lives with his kindness, sense of humour and knowledge of the industry.

IBAC director general Kurt Edwards says: ”David's passion for the industry was immense, and he brought all his international experience and insight to his highly effective advocacy for business aviation in Australia. We were fortunate to have his contributions to IBAC's work for many years. He was truly a business aviation statesman and will be missed by all of us.”

Bells's career began in the 1960s as a cadet with Hawker de Havilland. His international travels were extensive and he was the aviation marketing director for Hawker Pacific and served on the board. Before retiring in 2021, he led the Australian Business Aviation Association (ABAA), which has been an IBAC member association for decades. In 2017, he was awarded the Medal of Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition for his services to aviation. The distinguished medal honours Australian citizens for outstanding achievement and service.