Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, founding chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), was elected to a three-year term as vice chairman of the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) governing board, the associations announced yesterday. Alnaqbi previously was treasurer of the governing board. MEBAA joined IBAC shortly after the association was founded a decade ago.

MEBAA called the appointment “a key milestone for Alnaqbi and a testament to the incredible success MEBAA has achieved in the 10 years since its founding.” Alnaqbi, a 26-year business aviation executive who in 2015 retired as v-p of finance and administration from Presidential Flight, established MEBAA in an effort to unite the business aviation communities in 25 countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa region.

“I am honored to have been elected to the vice chairman [role],” Alnaqbi said. “This opportunity to guide the business aviation sector is a perfect synergy with my passion for the industry and previous achievements.”