A leading figure from the Middle East will be one of the guest speakers at the island’s third aviation conference on Thursday.
Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi will be flying in from the United Arab Emirates in his capacity as founding chairman of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA).
He is one of a star line-up of speakers due to be assembled at the Villa Marina, Douglas.
ICM Aviation in the island has organised the gathering and spokeswoman Jenny Oliver told Business News: ‘This is our third conference and it looks as if it will be bigger and better than ever before.
‘We have around 150 delegates coming from places as far afield as Israel, Switzerland, Russia, the USA, Malta and France.
‘We are delighted with an impressive line-up of speakers including Mr Al Naqbi.’
The title of his address is ‘Operating business aircraft in the Middle East.’
Jenny said this year’s theme is The Global Connection, reflecting the global reach of the Isle of Man Aircraft Registry and the continuing emergence of the island as a major international business centre.
Owning and managing an aircraft in the Isle of Man and what FATCA means for aircraft owners will be the title of the address by Mark Byrne. director of ICM Aviation.
At the end of June last year the island’s aircraft registry registered its 500th aircraft. This was only five years after the register was set up.
Current director of civil aviation Hartley Elder will speak about the register’s latest figures and will concentrate on the registry’s new online systems.
Jenny said this year’s event includes more chance for delegates to network and see more of the island.
This includes a post-conference reception at Castle Rushen with travel there by steam train. And on Friday there will be the opportunity to visit the Isle of Man Aircraft Registry followed by a tour of the TT mountain course by coach with live commentary by former TT rider Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle.
