Story ID: 437 MEBA_GAMA Press Conference.doc
MEBAA and GAMA Solidify Ties
By: Mark Phelps
Caption: Two organizations work together to benefit business aviation in the Middle East
Word Count: 155

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) formed an alliance last April, and GAMA president Pete Bunce is visiting for this week’s MEBA show. MEBAA founding chairman Ali Al Naqbi said, “GAMA is an international organization, and it’s important for them to be here to help establish some of the missing elements of business aviation in this part of the world.”

Specifically, Al Naqbi was referring primarily to issues of airspace and regulations. He said that he looks to GAMA and Bunce for guidance in helping convince regulators that a “one size fits all” approach to business aviation and airlines is not practical. Al Naqbi also said it’s important to have government regulators from all the region’s countries to work in concert to establish coordinated rules and policies. He even suggested a European-style ATC system.