BBGA hosts annual conference and AGM at 50

Above: This Hawker Siddeley / BAE HS.125, seen here at London Biggin Hill Airport was built in 1978.  Part of the one time BAE corporate jet family designed in Hatfield, Herts, it was originally developed by de Havilland and produced by Hawker Siddeley.  
Courtesy BBGA / Photo credit Dave Haines

This vibrant sector has grown and evolved significantly over 50 years since BBGA was created, originally as the General Aviation Manufacturers’ and Traders’ Association (GAMTA) by Danny Forman. It had its own GA show back then – the Cranfield General Aviation Show – in a decade long collaboration with Flight International.
 
This once cottage industry defined by small airfields, piston-engined air taxis and the British-built BAE HS.125 ‘Instant Airliner,’ has elevated to flagship private terminals hosting near supersonic, long range business jets, dedicated MROs, adoption of SAF and flying the world’s first fully certificated electric aircraft (Pipistrel Velis) at pilot training schools. The UK’s principal cities, including London, are on the future departure boards for Advanced Air Mobility OEMs. This year’s conference theme is Reflections and Future Aspirations.
 
UK Civil Aviation Authority Chair Sir Stephen Hillier, will provide an update on the regulatory landscape, focusing on safety, innovation accomplishments.
 
"Our 50th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but a launchpad for the next half-century of innovation," commented Aoife O’Sullivan, BBGA Chair. "From creating pathways for retiring military engineers, actively supporting the next generation, through to providing vital special mission solutions and supporting regional connectivity, business aviation is a broad church.  As we will hear at conference, our role as the voice of business and general aviation in the UK is becoming even more important.”