The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) has appointed industry veteran Leo Knaapen as Head of the IBAC Industry Partner Program. Leo joined IBAC following his retirement from Bombardier in December 2022, where he was Chief of Industry Affairs.
“Through the Industry Partner Program, Leo will lead efforts to grow IBAC’s capabilities to serve the global business aviation community at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),”said Kurt Edwards, Director General, IBAC.
“I look forward to strengthening the global business aviation industry at the ICAO level whilst encouraging a broader Industry engagement across the business aviation sector,” commented Leo Knaapen. “I have witnessed first-hand the important results generated by this modest team of professionals and how its diligence and expertise have quietly benefitted aircraft operators, manufacturers, and service providers. It’s now time to spread the word and build our partner base, so IBAC can accelerate the good work already underway and address emerging issues.”
During his tenure with Bombardier, Knaapen successfully established a unique function guidingBombardier’s overall engagement with civil aviationorganizations while increasing its global engagement and leadership on key Business Aviation portfolios – notably in air safety and environmental sustainability.
A proven aviation expert and industry leader, Knaapen has been recognized by several organizations for his nearly four decades of service.
A non-profit international trade association, IBAC represents business aircraft operators at ICAO, the UN-specialized agency that sets the global rules for international aviation. IBAC promotes safety, advocates for access and appropriate regulation, and advances sustainability efforts. Via its Industry Partner Program, IBAC encourages the participation and support of business aviation manufacturers, service providers, and operators as Industry Partners and Operator Affiliates.
