Press Release

Issued by Asian Business Aviation Association.

November 13, 2017

AsBAA, the region's non-for-profit representative trade body for business and general aviation, recently hosted VIPs, media and 330 guests from the business aviation industry for its annual industry awards, the Icons of Aviation (IOA). The charity gala dinner was held in the iconic ballroom of the Intercontinental Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong and raised over USD26,000 for AsBAA's charity of choice, Orbis, the Flying Eye Hospital. Through AsBAA, the business and general aviation community has now raised USD100,000 for Orbis since the first IOA event in 2015.

AsBAA kicked off the evening with a light-hearted line-up of Top Gun themed entertainment which included live entertainment, a keynote speech from Orbis president and CEO, Bob Ranck and a year-in-review round-up from AsBAA's chairperson, Jenny Lau. In her speech, she thanked the attending VIPs and sponsors, and called on the industry to continue promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) in aviation. Lau went on to highlight the achievements of last year, including AsBAA's new strategic partnership with Breitling, before leading into a video message from National Business Aviation Association USA president, Mr. Ed Bolen. NBAA representatives, Joe Hart and Evelyn Wu were also presented with a plaque from AsBAA in recognition of NBAA's 70 year anniversary. 

Orbis CEO and president, Bob Ranck delivered an engaging keynote in which he shared his personal experience of working at the charity where he has witnessed its life-changing work in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the region. "Orbis is delighted to have been designated the partner and charity of choice of AsBAA for three consecutive years,” said Bob Ranck. “The generous support of AsBAA has helped Orbis extend its important sight saving work throughout China and will support our Flying Eye Hospital program in Shandong province next June.”

The Icons of Aviation winners were announced across 12 categories of the business and general aviation industry as follows:

Best Ground Handling Agent

- Universal Aviation

Best Operational Support

- Satcom Direct

- (UAS) International Trip Support

- (WFS) World Fuel Services

Best Charter Broker

- L'Voyage

Best Media Outlet

- Asian Sky Group

Best Business Service Provider

- Avinode

Best Aircraft Sales Broker

- Jetcraft Asia

Best (AOC) Charter Operator

- VistaJet

Best Aircraft Management Company

- TAG Aviation Asia

Best MRO

- Jet Aviation (Singapore/Hong Kong)

Best Manufacturer

- Gulfstream

Trailblazer of the Year

- Rita Tam

Mike Davis Award (Life-Time Achievement)

- Caspar Baum