WASHINGTON, DC, July 13, 2009 – Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) opened a European branch office in Brussels, Belgium and hired Brian Davey as the Director of European Affairs.
 
A native of Ireland, Brian will represent the general aviation manufacturing industry before European institutions in Brussels as well as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Cologne and will work with other aviation stakeholders to promote the continued development of a safe and sustainable aviation industry.  Prior to joining GAMA, he worked for APCO Worldwide in their European Union (EU) regulatory and public policy division. Prior to APCO, Brian served in the private cabinet of Charlie McCreevy, European commissioner for internal market and services.  
 
"General aviation continues to grow in Europe and many of our member companies are headquartered in the region,” said GAMA’s Chairman and President and CEO of Jeppesen, Mark Van Tine.  “As an international association, GAMA’s fulltime presence in Brussels will ensure the association’s long-term involvement in international aviation issues, while helping us to maintain strong partnerships with decision makers in Europe.”

“The European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency play increasingly vital roles in shaping the future of general aviation,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA’s president and CEO.  “As we posture our industry for the global economic recovery, we think the timing could not be better to step up our presence in Europe.”  
 
Bunce added, “GAMA looks forward to strengthening its already excellent relationship with the European Commission and EASA as their jurisdiction over aviation expands beyond certification and maintenance, to operations, licensing, the environment, air traffic control and airports.  Brian Davey’s expertise and experience will ensure that the worldwide general aviation manufacturing industry continues to be a strong contributing partner with European regulatory authorities.”