ExecuJet is celebrating the appointment of Niclas von Planta, vice president of ExecuJet Europe, as the new president of the Swiss Business Aviation Association (SBAA).

The SBAA unites all Swiss-based aviation professionals to help defend the future of the local business aviation industry. The association promotes and supports excellence and professionalism amongst its members, facilitating the application of best practices and the highest standards of operational safety.

Von Planta says: “I'm delighted to have been elected as president by the core members of the SBAA, and am looking forward to bringing my experience of the industry from the private to the public sphere. Switzerland is one of the fastest-growing regions in Europe for both private jet ownership and charter, and so it must be a leading light of excellence for operational safety and service.”

His experience within the Luxaviation Group, of which ExecuJet is part, has prepared him well for this task, and he continues: “At ExecuJet we pride ourselves on setting an example for others in the industry to follow, by promoting industry-wide best practices through schemes such as Wyvern Wingman and IS-BAH, the International Standard for Business Air Handling. Going forward, the SBAA, in conjunction with EBAA, will be central to the preservation of these standards, protecting the future of business aviation both locally in Switzerland and across Europe.”

SBAA vice chairman and treasurer Helene Niedhart adds: “As the international hub for business and diplomacy, Switzerland enjoys a significant position within the business aviation industry. Events such as the annual World Economic Forum in Davos or EBACE, Europe's most important business aviation event, in Geneva, shine a light on our operations and so it is of the utmost importance that we continue to advance the infrastructure provision, service capabilities and safety standards for business jet users. Niclas is the ideal person to lead the SBAA, and will be instrumental to guiding us through the coming years of progress and growth.”