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Press Release

Issued by Asian Business Aviation Association.

November 17, 2017

Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) appoints John Riggir to board of governors in Southeast Asia to lead on Seletar airport discussions

AsBAA, Asia's non-profit representative trade body for business and general aviation, has announced that John Riggir, vice president of Asia and general manager of Singapore for Jet Aviation, has been appointed as board of governor of the association in the Singapore and Southeast Asian region. Riggir, based in Singapore was appointed vice president and general manager of Jet Aviation Singapore in September 2014, assuming leadership of the company's newly expanded maintenance and FBO facility at Singapore's Seletar Aerospace Park, including responsibility for operations in Hong Kong. He is the newest member to be appointed to the AsBAA board of governors under the association's new leadership.

Gary Moran, vice chairman of AsBAA and head of its Singapore Chapter said, “Seletar Airport is a strong example of how private aviation infrastructure can support regional economic growth. AsBAA is working closely with the Changi Airport Group to support the further development of business and general aviation infrastructure in Singapore as the industry grows here. John has significant experience at Seletar Airport and along with the wider board of governors, he will play a pivotal role in this process. We are delighted to have him on board as AsBAA activities step up in Singapore."

Riggir has been based in Asia since 1994, primarily based in Singapore. He said, “I am in my 40th year of working in the business and general aviation industry, having started as an aircraft engineer. In the second half of my career I began developing and leading MRO and FBO service companies. I believe there is a strong future for our industry in Asia, but to get there it's important that separate entities work together through associations such as AsBAA to advocate the merits of the industry and ensure that policy makers understand that business aviation leads to economic growth. I plan to contribute my experience and perspective to help focus on relevant and key issues that can clear the path ahead for continued growth and acceptance of our industry in this region. I am very proud of and excited to be contributing to and associated with AsBAA, and I am confident we can effect significant and positive change.”

Riggir will play a key role in AsBAA's representation and advocacy pillars which include working with government and other international associations under IBAC. He said, “I have attended multiple NBAA, EBACE events and every ABACE event since its inception. I have a thorough understanding of the ethos and principles at work in these organisations. Over the years I have also developed a clear understanding of effective practices related to dealing with corporate governance, government economic development boards and multiple regulatory bodies to represent and become proficient in the areas of business operations and thus deliver on strategic growth objectives.”

AsBAA's vice chairman, Gary Moran concluded by saying, “We are encouraged to see the traction the association is gaining in Singapore. We have seen strong attendance at events and meetings and the feedback is that our members want to see more from AsBAA in this part of Asia. AsBAA will continue to deliver a regular programme of chapter meetings, Discovery Days (student, education and careers programmes) and other events. We are also working closely with the Singapore Airshow and plan to have an increased presence at the event in 2018, to further support AsBAA's members that are based in, and operate in Singapore.”

A 40-year veteran to business and general aviation in Asia and Australasia, Riggir joined Jet Aviation from Hawker Pacific based in Singapore where he held various managerial roles for almost 20 years, most recently serving as executive vice president of corporate business development. Since joining Jet Aviation, he has applied his vast experience, know-how and understanding of the local region to expand the company's capabilities, while reinforcing its focus on refurbishment, modification and upgrade capabilities while securing good standing in the International business aviation community. He started his career as an aircraft engineer in New Zealand and with numerous licenses, also completed business management studies at the University of New South Wales and NUS Business Schools Stanford-NUS Executive Program in International Management.