The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) has welcomed two leading business aviation operations to its Industry Partner Programme (IPP).

Saxon Air is a UK-based jet and helicopter charter operation with a flight training programme that uses a fleet of EASA-certified electric powered trainer aircraft. Saxon Air is the first IPP hailing from the East Anglia region of England.

In another first, Sonoma Aviation has become the first IPP member based on the west coast in the US with California FBO locations in the wine country in Sonoma, as Sonoma Jet Center, and in the southern part of the state in Carlsbad, as Carlsbad Jet Center. In addition to providing FBO management and contract fuel services, Sonoma Aviation works with the business aviation industry to deliver aircraft maintenance, real estate development and management services.

“It is a privilege to welcome these two innovative businesses to the Industry Partner Programme,” states Kurt Edwards, director general of IBAC. “Both Saxon Air and Sonoma Aviation represent business aviation’s spirit and commitment to excellence with the diverse services they provide to their clients. We thank them for their partnership and look forward to their participation in supporting IBAC’s advocacy endeavours.”

Alex Durand, Saxon Air CEO, comments: “As a UK-based jet and helicopter management and charter operator, also providing FBO, hangar and flight training services, Saxon Air is proud to join IBAC as an Industry Partner Programme member. Supporting IBAC’s global advocacy work at ICAO closely aligns with our commitment to service excellence, safety and innovation. As a UK CAA-approved provider of zero- and low-emissions flight training, supported by dedicated solar-powered charging infrastructure, we look forward to contributing practical insight as the industry addresses both today’s challenges and its transition to a more sustainable future.”

“We believe that supporting and engaging with the IBAC team to advocate for business aviation and aviation safety on a global scale is important. IBAC’s recognised voice ensures that smaller, dynamic aviation businesses like ours are heard. As an early adopter of IS-BAH and having completed IS-BAH Stage III, I urge other aviation businesses to join IBAC and support its important mission,” says Timothy Obitts, president and general counsel of Sonoma Aviation.