The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) held its 2025 International Standards for Business Aircraft Operators (IS-BAO) board meeting last month. The board confirmed its appointments for the coming year and determined the current 21st edition of the IS-BAO standard will remain without any modifications.

Stan Medved of the BBGA will continue as chairman of the IS-BAO standards board, and Len Beauchemin from the NBAA was reelected as vice chairman. Returning members representing NBAA are Max Grover, Christopher Bing, Dan Boedigheimer, Jad Donaldson, Shannon Hotchkin, Doug Carr and Mike Ott. Additionally, Randy Horsley represents CBAA, Franz Hornung EBAA, Chris Tran ABAA and Jens Hennig is with GAMA.

Dan Cerkan, IS-BAO auditor and president of Balefire Safety Systems, was also elected to represent fixed-wing, rotary-wing and remote piloted aerial systems (RPAS) operations. He has extensive experience in aviation operations and safety oversight as a dual-rated pilot with over 3,600 hours of fixed- and rotary-wing flight time.

Following a review of operator and industry feedback, anticipated amendments to ICAO Annex 19, and developments from the 42nd ICAO Assembly, the IS-BAO standards board determined that no changes will be made to the current IS-BAO standard. Members concluded that the existing edition continues to meet operational needs and remains aligned with international requirements.

Andrew Karas, IS-BAO programme director, states: “We are grateful to all operators and industry professionals who provided thoughtful feedback throughout the year. Their input allows IS-BAO to remain the industry's gold standard, recognised by ICAO and its member states. Thank you to our volunteers on the IS-BAO standards board and a special welcome to Dan Cerkan who brings representation from the rotor and RPAS sectors.”

The IS-BAO standards board remains committed to its ongoing work to ensure the IS-BAO programme reflects international best practices and regulatory developments.