12 November 2025 – Montreal –The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) held its 2025 International Standards for Business Aircraft Operators (IS-BAO^TM) board meeting last month. The Board confirmed appointments for the coming year and determined the current 21^st edition of the IS-BAO standard will remain without any modifications.

Stan Medved (BBGA) will continue as Chairman of the IS-BAO Standards Board, and Len Beauchemin (NBAA) was reelected as Vice Chairman. Returning members representing NBAA are Max Grover, Christopher Bing, Dan Boedigheimer, Jad Donaldson, Shannon Hotchkin, Doug Carr, and Mike Ott. Additionally, Randy Horsley represents CBAA, Franz Hornung-EBAA, Chris Tran-ABAA, and Jens Hennig is with GAMA.

Dan Cerkan, IS-BAO Auditor and President of Balefire Safety Systems, was also elected to represent fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) operations. He has extensive experience in aviation operations and safety oversight as a dual-rated pilot with over 3,600 hours of fixed- and rotary-wing flight time.

Following a review of operator and industry feedback, anticipated amendments to ICAO Annex 19, and developments from the 42nd ICAO Assembly, the IS-BAO Standards Board determined that no changes will be made to the current IS-BAO Standard. Members concluded that the existing edition continues to meet operational needs and remains aligned with international requirements.

Andrew Karas, IS-BAO Programme Director, stated, “We are grateful to all operators and industry professionals who provided thoughtful feedback throughout the year. Their input allows IS-BAO to remain the industry’s gold standard, recognized by ICAO and its Member States. Thank you to our volunteers on the IS-BAO Standards Board and a special welcome to Dan Cerkan who brings representation from the rotor and RPAS sectors.”

The IS-BAO Standards Board remains committed to its ongoing work to ensure the IS-BAO programme reflects international best practices and regulatory developments. Registered operators and subscribers may access the latest resources through their IBAC user portal and may contact isbao@ibac.org with any questions.

To learn more about IS-BAO go to https://ibac.org/is-bao.

About International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) 

IBAC represents the interests of business aviation worldwide. IBAC is a non-profit, international trade association with official observer status at the International Civil Aviation Organization, the UN Specialized Agency for aviation matters, in Montreal, Canada. IBAC promotes and manages the industry-leading standards for best safety practices through its International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO^TM); International Standard for Business Aviation Handling (IS-BAH^TM); Safety Management Tool Kit; SMS eLearning training; and Crew Card. Recently introduced in partnership with CTX, the IBAC Carbon Credit Exchange provides the business aviation community with a reliable resource for real-time offsetting to reduce its carbon footprint. More details at www.ibac.org

About the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO™) 

First introduced in 2002, IS-BAO continues to expand its reach and impact by bringing meaningful safety standards and best practices to business aviation. IS-BAO goes beyond simply providing a framework for SMS with 12 additional chapters, each crafted to address the specific needs and standards of business aviation. These internationally recognized standards are shaped by the insights and expertise of operators and industry professionals, ensuring that IS-BAO remains relevant and beneficial to the sector’s unique operational environment. IS-BAO is also a strong advocate for business aviation on the international stage. Through the support of the business aviation community including auditors, Programme Support Affiliates (PSA), IBAC Member Associations and Industry Partners, IS-BAO continues to champion the needs and interests of operators, influencing positive change within the global regulatory landscape.

Media contact:

Marj Rose, IBAC Communications Consultant, comms@ibac.org