The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) and the Defence Manufacturers Association (DMA) will merge after members of both trade associations gave their blessing for the move.
The new conjoined organisation will operate from October 2009 will serve around 800 member companies in civil aviation, defence, space and public security, acting as members’ collective voice in engaging with politicians, the media and public.
Rees Ward, director general of the DMA, is CEO designate of the merged organisation, while Ian Godden, chief executive of SBAC, will be chairman.
“Both organisations have storied pasts and we know that the members did not take this decision lightly,” said Godden. “However, it is obvious to us all that by combining forces we can do much more for our member companies.
“Therefore, this is an exciting new future for the sectors that we represent and we look forward to working with our DMA colleagues to establish the new company.”
He said he was looking forward to next week’s Paris Airshow for SBAC’s last appearance at a major international event as a single entity.
“A great deal of work has gone in to the preparations for this merger. I am grateful for the hard work that colleagues at DMA and SBAC have put in so far for all our members,” added Ward.
The organisations promised more information soon about what will happen when they merge.
