The Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) general assembly elected two new board members yesterday and held a workshop for its MEBAA aviation insurance scheme (MAIS). Saudia Private Aviation managing director Wajdi Al Idrissi and Comlux president and CEO Richard Gaona were elected to the association’s board, where they join other industry leaders to promote business aviation in the Middle East.

Upon his appointment, Al Idrissi called for the implementation of regulations in the region tailored for business aircraft operations. “Regulations that are imposed upon business aviation, but were designed for commercial operators, are not effective,” he said. “Despite sharing the same airspace, the two have such different ways of working that regulation is becoming counterproductive to operational efficiency for business aviation.”

Meanwhile, coverage limits were increased for the MAIS insurance scheme, which was launched last year at the Dubai Air Show in partnership with Willis Aerospace, Abu Dhabi National Insurance and Chartis Insurance. Henry Adair, regional practice leader at Willis, said the insurance program will now accommodate hulls up to $350 million and liability up to $1 billion. At inception, the program covered aircraft to a maximum hull value of only $80 million and liability of $550 million, thereby excluding the larger bizliners that have found favor in the region.