“A genuine “one not to miss” annual event”. This is how Andrew Hoy, Managing Director of Execujet Aviation Group and one of the 150 delegates, who gathered in the Royal Hall at the Villa Marina in Douglas for the 2nd Isle of Man Aviation Conference, described the event. His comments were echoed by fellow delegates who had travelled to the Island from the UK, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Russia, Poland and the USA.

 
The high attendance and excellent feedback demonstrates the high regard in which the Isle of Man Aircraft Registry is held across the sector. The conference did not only focus on the Isle of Man, but covered current issues and opportunities facing the business aviation community across the UK, Europe and the US. The lineup of speakers and final list of delegates were proof that this has become a high profile event and one to be repeated. Brian Humphries, President of the EBAA, told conference organisers that the day had been, “a worthwhile and informative exchange between regulator, operators, support disciplines and professional associations.”

Director of ICM Aviation, Mark Byrne, who was behind the conference in 2011 and now 2012, told us:

“The conference was very successful in demonstrating to the international business aviation community that the Isle of Man is here to provide a supportive environment in which the business can flourish. The message was well received by those who attended. We are so pleased to have attracted such a strong speaker list, matched by an impressive delegate list of high profile operators and aviation professionals. Many delegates commented on the warm and friendly welcome they received and feedback has been extremely positive with particular praise for the content, organisation, high standards of catering and the considerable charm of the Villa Marina. We are certainly looking at repeating it next year.”

The conference was supported by the Isle of Man Aircraft Registry which has been extremely successful since it was founded in May 2007. The number of M-registered aircraft has now reached 498, surpassing all expectations. Conference speakers and delegates were clear that this was down to the knowledge, expertise, high level of service and customer focus provided by Director, Hartley Elder and his team. 

The Isle of Man Government has recently launched a new promotional campaign entitled Isle of Man. Where You Can. If this conference is anything to go by the message has been heard loud and clear in the business aviation industry. More information about the conference can be found on www.icmaviationconference.org.