The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) joins the global business aviation community in grieving for the loss of David C. Bell. The former Chief Executive Officer for the Australia Business Aviation Association for nearly 20 years, David spent a lifetime in aviation and touched many lives with his kindness, sense of humor, and knowledge of the industry.
Kurt Edwards, Director General, IBAC, said,” David’s passion for the industry was immense and he brought all his international experience and insight to his highly effective advocacy for business aviation in Australia. We were fortunate to have his contributions to IBAC’s work for many years. He was truly a business aviation statesman and will be missed by all of us.”
David’s career began in the 1960s as a cadet with Hawker de Havilland. His international travels with his wife, Lynne, were extensive. They also lived in Wichita, Kansas, while he was working for Beech where they forged a close friendship with Olive Beech. He was also the aviation marketing director for Hawker Pacific and served on the board. Before retiring in 2021, he led the Australia Business Aviation Association (ABAA), which has been an IBAC member association for decades. In 2017, David was awarded the Medal of Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition for his service to aviation. The distinguished medal honors Australian citizens for outstanding achievement and service.
