Financial Solutions for Business Aviation

29 June- 30 June 2011- Shannon Airport, Ireland

Wednesday, June 29 2011

DAY 1 Chairman: Patrick Margetson Rushmore, CEO, London Executive Aviation

08:00 Registration

09:00 Welcome from the organiser - Alan Perry/MIU 

09.10 Keynote - Alan Kelly, Minister, Department of Transport

09.20 Welcome from Shannon Airport and Shannon development
Brian O'Connell, Chairman, Shannon Aviation Authority; Vincent Cunnane, CEO, Shannon Development

SESSION I – PRIVATE AIR CHARTER OPERATIONS – PROBLEMS, FINANCING, ANALYSIS AND NEW MARKETS

09.30 – 10.00 – The problems facing private air charter operators
In this opening session the Day 1 chairman, Patrick Margetson Rushmore, sets out some of the many problems that private air charter operators have to contend with and some possible ideas on how the industry can pull together for the greater good. Fuel prices, illegal charters, lack of harmonisation across Europe, new VAT rules, country access, aircraft finance and confusing regulatory procedures will all come under the microscope.
Patrick Margetson Rushmore, CEO, London Executive Aviation

10.00 – 11.00 - Is the lender friend or foe?
“Tuesday, September 30, 2008, will go down in history as the blackest day in Ireland since the civil war broke out”, so said Michael Noonan  (Ireland’s finance minister) in the Dail in Dublin recently. This, of course, was the day when the true extent of banking debt across many of the world’s mature economies came into the public domain. Since then, popping into the bank for a cosy chat about buying a new aircraft, or anything else for that matter, has taken on a fresh complexion.
However, banks are still necessary, it’s just that the rules of engagement have changed. In this session we look at how to deal with banks and lending institutions in the aftermath of the banking crisis. Standard agreements can be altered, business plans can be amended and we can even tell the truth when producing forecasts!
Brendan Lodge, Jetbrokers Europe
Ray Mills, Operations Director, Private Sky
Toennies von Limburg, Bank of America

11:00 – 11.30 Networking Coffee Break

11.30 – 12.00 - Industry analysis
That barometer of all things bizav related, aircraft sales, tells us that sales have declined year on year since 2008. We are told the best we can hope for in 2011 is that aircraft sales bottom out and there is general consolidation within the industry. A leading aircraft sales expert provides an insight into how and where future aircraft sales will develop. Hitherto, most of the expertise and demand has originated from the US, but with Cirrus about to be acquired by the Chinese and other established aircraft companies likely to be partially or fully controlled by China, India and Russia, will the US be able to retain its dominant role? Also, what does the rapid development of emerging markets mean for the industry?
Oliver Stone, Managing Director, Colibri Aircraft Ltd

12.00 - 12.45 - Emerging markets
The mature markets may be battling with their debt mountains but the emerging markets are racing away. We heard at this year's Indian Business Aviation Expo (IBAE) that India will be the 6th largest global market and 3rd biggest aviation market by 2020, and will overtake the US as the 2nd largest economy by 2050. Meanwhile the Middle East continues to set the pace in airport infrastructure, with the 140 sq km Al Maktoum airport set to become the largest hub airport in the world. Dubai World Central (DWC), owners of Al Maktoum, have already announced plans to move all GA activities there from next year. What impact are the emerging markets going to have on future bizav expansion and to what extent will the development of new markets alter thinking within the industry.
Alan Perry, MIU and GA Consultant to DWC

12.45 -13.00 Q & A

13:00 14:00 - Networking Lunch

SESSION II – ROTARY, RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

14.00 – 14.30 - Rotary financing solutions
Helicopters are increasingly important in business aviation and have specific requirements and operating procedures that are different to bizjets. In some instances, helicopters can be more attractive to banks and lending agencies because they are more likely to secure contract work and as a result provide solid revenue streams to the owner/operator. In this session we look at the attractions of rotary operations and maintaining the value of the asset from the lender's perspective.
Michael Gilhooly, Financial Services Director, PAS Capital Solutions

14.30 – 15 .00 – Fuel management
Fuel prices are a drag on the industry and have a massive impact on margins. Less than a decade ago oil cost $30 a barrel, now the price is $100 a barrel. Some analysts are suggesting it could rise to $200 a barrel in the short term! What management techniques can be employed to fly more economically.
Steve Fry, Senior Manager - Airports and Fuel, NetJets

15.00 – 15.30 – FBO and support services
Getting from A to B in a cost effective fashion - evolving internet services, above the wing services, be low the wing support, security, catering, baggage handling, re-fuelling and hidden charges, ongoing additional and management costs associated with private aircraft
Jonathan Howells, Regional VP - Europe, Middle East and Africa - Universal Weather and Aviation

15:30 – 16.00 - Networking Coffee

SESSION III – DON'T WORRY – BE HAPPY!

16.00 – 16.45 - Embracing technology to improve the business process
“On what principle is it, that when we see nothing but improvement behind us, we are to expect nothing but deterioration before us?” historian, Lord Macaulay
In the day’s final session we call upon a creative thinker to provide some thoughts on how business aviation can learn from other industry sectors. Co-opetition is a new buzz word used to describe co-operative competition. Is this just another bit of jargon or could it work in our industry?
Session leader: Frank Murray, CEO, Piercom

16.45 - Closing remarks from the chairman

17:00 – Day 1 finishes

18.40 - Transfer by coach to Bunratty village for traditional Irish night at the Corn Barn, followed by drinks at Durty Nelly"s

23.00 - Return to hotels

Thursday, June 30, 2011

DAY 2 Chairperson: Aoife O'Sullivan, Partner, Gates & Partners

08:00  Registration and coffee

SESSION IV – STRUCTURING FINANCE AND LEGAL IMPERATIVES

09.00 – 09.45 - Funding, tax,registration, asset protection and legal
We open Day 2 with an overview of current tax treaties, registration, streamlining purchase agreements, asset protection, cost visibility and the legal process. Aoife O’Sullivan is a leading aviation lawyer and an expert on the process of buying and registering business aircraft with experience of various jurisdictions. In this opening session our Day 2 chairperson sets the scene and provides some thoughts on best practice, tax planning, registration structures, pre purchase inspection procedures and aircraft delivery. She is joined by specialist experts covering registration, purchase agreements and we provide some insights on how to protect your asset and understand cost visibility.
Mark Byrne, ICM Group
Greg Martin, JSSI 
Jonathan Russell, Solicitor, Holman Fenwick Willan

09.45 – 10.30 - Tax planning and Corporation Tax
Ireland offers one of the most attractive Corporation tax rates in Europe and there are specific advantages associated with delivering, registering and leasing your aircraft through an Irish structure. This session provides a guide to maximising business profits and ensuring your aviation asset is managed effectively. 
Nigel D'Arcy, Head of Business Development, VerFides
Tom Woods, Partner, KPMG

10.30- 11.00 - Inward investment in Ireland
Ireland has a long history of supporting and innovating in aviation. From welcoming pioneers of the air who flew over from America to producing pioneers of their own. Shannon Development provides an insight into the many advantages of doing business in Ireland and why the FTZ and favourable tax and trading conditions continue to make Ireland an attractive base for international aviation companies.
Vincent Cunnane, CEO, Shannon Development 
Grellan Kelly, Free Zone Manager, Shannon Development
William McGonagle, CEO, Air Atlanta

11:00 – 11.30 - Networking Coffee

11:30 - 12:15 Delivery destinations for Business Aircraft - Open discussion
This session will explore the options for owners and operators to use certain ports of entry into Europe as delivery destinations for private aircraft. There are various advantages in arranging aircraft deliveries via a specific destination in Europe and this session will offer some thoughts on the process.

12.15 – 12.45 - Pre Clearance for US Customs (CBP)
Shannon Airport is the furthest West you can go in mainline Europe before hitting the Atlantic. The airport has an arrangement in place with US Customs to pre clear flights to/from the US. For business jet travellers this can save valuable time and avoids the busy main hubs on the Eastern seaboard.
John Glaittli, CBP Port Director, US CBP 

12.45 – 13.00 Q & A

13:00 - 14:00 - Networking Lunch

SESSION V – BUSINESS AIRPORTS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY

14.15 – 14.45 - Business airports and FBOs – A GA facility or driver for regional prosperity? 
Local anxieties about noise pollution and night flights often make for easy copy in the local papers, but the wider benefits of business airports to the local community are often overlooked. In this session we look at how business airports can drive regional prosperity and harness the knowledge and expertise of the business and civic leaders and HNWI that travel through the facility.
Peter Bouwer, Area Director, Signature Flight Support
Stephen J Anderson, Commercial Counselor, US Embassy, Dublin

14.45 – 15.15 - Case Study

15:15 – 15.30 - Networking Coffee

SESSION VI - FiSBA FORUM AND WRAP UP

15.30 – 16.30 – Initiatives from the event, establishing new and innovative solutions for Business Aviation
FiSBA will repeat on an annual basis and the goal will be to provide an informal, yet informative event which will act as a meeting place for all those involved in the industry to meet fellow professionals, compare notes and gain a better understanding of key issues, whether they be regulatory, procedural, cultural or just plane nonsense.  

16.30 – Closing remarks from the chair

16.45 – Event closes, followed by informal BBQ

Friday, July 1, 2011

08.15- 15.00 - Golf tournament, followed by lunch
A chance for delegates and speakers to unwind, network and place bets on who will win the Open. The golf tournament will take place in the stunning surroundings of Dromoland Castle, a 10 minute trip from the conference venue and will be followed by a sponsored lunch hosted by one of the region's leading broadcasters.

09.00 - 15.00 - Co Clare Tour
For those wishing to avoid the stress of a golf day, Shannon Development, have arranged an optional tour of Co Clare, taking in many of the traditional and historic sites. Participants and their partners will be able to sign up for this on the Shannon Development stand in the exhibition area.