MEBAA leads talks on Jordan's business aviation role

Since Jordan adopted an open-skies policy, the country’s aviation sector has developed dramatically and the support network for business aviation operators is now well established with successful charter companies, maintenance facilities and training schools in place.

MEBAA, with the support of Ayla, is providing the local business aviation industry with a platform to discuss the challenges when managing incremental growth amid regional and economical uncertainty.

Speaking about the industry’s value, Ali Al Naqbi, founding chairman for MEBAA said: “In the seventies, Jordan introduced business aviation into the Middle East when the first operator in the region began flying with support of the late King Hussein who was keen to make Amman a business aviation centre for the region. Today Jordan is continuing that legacy and is equally pioneering thanks to a knowledge-based economy which is fuelling a terrific entrepreneurial spirit. So whilst the global downturn continues unabated, Jordan has quietly gone about its business and is full of travellers looking to own private aircraft or at the very least, appreciate the benefits of private aviation. This increased demand imposes an obligation to perfect various areas of business aviation such as safety, operational efficiency, accessibility and sustainability and only by sharing best practice can local operators, MRO’s, suppliers and training schools such as Ayla Aviation Academy continue to enjoy the success they have created and deserve.”

The agenda for the forum will tackle issues surrounding airspace and airport restrictions for business aviation, enhancing safety audits, crisis management techniques, and working in partnership to reduce grey market activity.

The forum will also provide an opportunity to discuss the local regulations and provide an opportunity for delegates to understand how they can effectively cooperate with local ground handling agents. Hence the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) will be supporting the event and promoting the importance of regulatory compliance, while ensuring the economic soundness of a liberalized industry.

Likewise Ayla Aviation Academy, sponsors of the event, will also be contributing towards the agenda as CEO, Marwan Atalla explains: “Our goal is to continue building the reputation for Jordan as a global centre of excellence.  As importantly, we feel MEBAA and other organizations can play a crucial role in developing the Aviation Sector on a regional level, and encouraging youth in considering careers in aviation.  This will ultimately benefit all stakeholders by lowering costs.”

The forum will be held on the 8th of October at the Dead Sea, immediately prior to the 4th Global Humanitarian Aviation Conference also being hosted at the Dead Sea in Jordan and for which MEBAA is a supporting partner.