Bermuda will host the island’s first aviation industry conference later this year, attracting air-finance and aircraft registration experts from around the world, the Bermuda Business Development Agency announced today.

The sixth annual Offshore Aircraft Registration event, hosted by aviation summit organiser AeroPodium at the Hamilton Princess on October 10 and 11, is expected to attract up to 100 industry delegates. Premier Michael Dunkley will officially open the event.

“This is a significant milestone for our jurisdiction as we work to develop this important industry sector,” said Ross Webber, BDA chief executive officer. “Bermuda’s aviation register is growing, and as a top-tier global financial centre, the island also has much to offer to the air-finance business and its support services. Attracting aviation industry executives here to see first-hand how our market operates will only help drive home that message.”

Industry sessions will explore a variety of issues, including advantages of Bermuda certification for aircraft, market dynamics affecting buyer demand, the effects of the “Panama Papers” on offshore aircraft registration, and risk management for the industry, including best practices for surveys, pre-purchase inspections or repossessions and protection of third-party interests.

“We’re excited to have brought this conference to Bermuda for the first time,” said Kevin Richards, BDA business development manager for the sector, who has been working closely with Bermuda-based industry and the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), which is currently transitioning to become a semi-autonomous body called the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA).

“Bermuda has the largest offshore register in the world and we are continually working to innovate our approach and improve our service offering to the international community.”

Bermudian-based speakers at the conference will include Thomas Dunstan, director of the DCA, and Martin Amick, CEO of Longtail Aviation.

“This is a great opportunity for Bermuda to present itself as a key centre for the aviation industry,” said Dunstan. “It also allows all Bermudian-based industry stakeholders to get together, discuss issues around aviation, and promote what we offer.”

AeroPodium CEO and founder Panagiotis Panagopoulos agreed Bermuda’s aircraft register and the island’s reputation as a top-tier international financial centre were key reasons the business and commercial aviation conference organiser had selected the island.

“Bermuda was chosen as the venue of this year’s conference because of the increased importance of this jurisdiction for aircraft registrations and the interest of the market in holding the event on this island,” said Panagopoulos, who also manages annual events in London, Switzerland, Malta, South America, the Baltic, and the Middle East.

“The market research indicated there’s a high interest in a networking event in Bermuda where delegates will be able to explore the latest developments, enhance their knowledge and network with leading experts,” he added. “The geographical location of Bermuda is ideal for an international event that will attract delegates from both sides of the Atlantic.”

To register for the Offshore Aircraft Registration event in Bermuda, go to http://www.aeropodium.com/oar.html