Walk the tarmac, smell the jet fuel, make connections

If you are wondering what to expect at this year’s Air Charter Expo then read on and we will guide you through the highlights of the day.

SaxonAir Charter group commercial director Chris Mace says: “ACE is a great event that packs so much into one day. The wide range of conference subjects, exhibitors and aircraft on show means there is always something for everyone. Our industry relies heavily on the support of one another and this event, more than most, brings the industry together to share issues, updates and great networking opportunities.”

Last year Mace and his team were busy all day on the SaxonAir stand meeting with industry clients and suppliers. And for visitors he advises: “It’s good value in terms of return on time invested; you will be glad you came.”

It is always good to get a reaction from those attending other aviation events, and the Switzerland-headquartered Simply Jet team has this to say: “We have recently joined BACA and it will be a pleasure to attend ACE this year. It is a great complementary event to EBACE that offers a more intimate experience and allows us to further build on relationships with our trusted suppliers and colleagues.”

CEO Yann-Guillaume Jaccard continues: “The static display is of course a nice feature of the show and provides us with the opportunity to familiarise ourselves with aircraft and helicopter models that might have been absent from other major exhibitions. The various training sessions offered by BACA during the day are also one of the key features that attract us to the event.”

He also mentions the recent appointment of chief marketing officer Gaétan Drossart, as well as the company’s move to premises in Lausanne that are three times the size of previous office accommodation. The team is keen to talk about the implications of its double, sometimes triple, digit year-on-year growth these last few months with other charter professionals.

To date ACE18 has already received record exhibitor bookings, a reflection of the growing awareness of its place as the only international event that recognises the pivotal role charter brokers and operators play in driving the business aviation industry globally. It is a partnership between the publishers of Charter Broker magazine and BACA – The Air Charter Association, whose members turnover an estimated £4.2 bn per annum and employ more than 6,000 staff.

ACE attracts a truly international audience of business aviation professionals. In 2017, nearly 60 per cent of attendees were either operators or brokers and so far this year nearly 20 per cent of registrations have been from outside the UK.

Anticipation builds among exhibitors

Avinode Group managing director, EMEAA, Annika Abraham says: “ACE is one of the most hotly anticipated events in the industry calendar. It is the only event that focuses on the essential role charter brokers and operators play in driving the business aviation industry globally.” There will be representatives from Avinode, PayNode and SchedAero at the show on booth 605 who will be talking through the next steps for digital innovation in business aviation and exploring new opportunities with industry colleagues. “We continue to see really positive movement in the European charter market and we look forward to celebrating this with those customers and partners who will be attending the event,” she adds.

Air Support is a European supplier of flight planning software solutions to private and commercial business aircraft operators; regional, charter, cargo and national airlines; and military and utility operators. It specialises in the provision of the PC-based flight planning software PPS Flight Planning System, including the integrated web-based briefing service CrewBriefing and a variety of valuable add-ons.

Marketing manager Kristoffer Sejer Brødløs is looking forward to taking part in this unique event in its great location, and will be on booth 505: “It’s a gathering of key worldwide industry players, both suppliers and operators, and the mix of exhibitors and delegates from across the globe results in a dynamic and exciting atmosphere in an historic setting.

“We are coming for the networking, knowledge sharing and the chance to debate with industry peers,” he adds. “It’s easy access for those with their own aircraft and there are many accommodation options close by. With the large BACA member base and range of companies attending and exhibiting it affords great potential for product showcasing and speech sessions.”

The design for B2B online helicopter charter booking platform and API Get Heli comes from valuable insight and feedback given by the UK operator and broker community. Recently appointed CEO Laurent Vallet is helping to deliver this simple but modern solution that aims to improve speed and efficiency in the fragmented helicopter charter market. Vallet has over 15 years of experience working in complex B2B markets and is a keen helicopter pilot. “I am thrilled to bring my contribution to the transformation of the industry in this new digital age. There is clearly a need for new technology at the charter broker level to streamline communication and bookings with operators. We are aiming to provide assistance to both sides to achieve the utmost efficiency and grow revenues further. We strongly believe our platform will reveal the untapped potential for growth of the charter market in the UK.”

Meet the growing team on booth 603 to find out how the Get Heli platform really is charter made simple. “They’ll be happy to help welcome your charter business into the digital age,” Vallet adds.

First time exhibitor Duncan Aviation has attended the show in previous years and noted the excellent attendance and good mix of business aviation professionals. “We look forward to connecting with old and new contacts this year,” says London-based aircraft sales and acquisitions representative, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Tim Barber.

“It is a year of celebration for Duncan Aviation as we share some new service capabilities, facility expansion and additional support personnel,” he continues. As a large business aircraft MRO provider, Duncan Aviation has expanded its engine capabilities, its AOG engine launch offices, avionics satellite locations and parts support services. In the US it has a new engine test cell in Lincoln, Nebraska, and construction is in progress for a multi-hangar maintenance and completions facility in Provo, Utah, as well as additional AOG support in Tampa, Florida, and Bedford, Massachusetts.

Duncan Aviation is a founding member of the National Aircraft Resale Association and since 1956 has conducted more than 3,500 transactions. With more than 2,150 aviation experts worldwide, the company’s aircraft sales team has access to experts who can provide technical support before, during and after the aircraft transaction.

Barber will be representing Duncan Aviation at the show. He will be available to discuss his aircraft transaction experience and the advantages that working with a company like Duncan Aviation can bring. “And to celebrate the our achievements,” he says, “we are giving away a methuselah of champagne, equivalent to eight regular bottles. Just stop by for a chat with me at booth 406 and ask to be entered into the draw. See you there.”

Training opportunities

Over the course of the day ACE will be hosting a series of BACA training sessions in its training suite, sponsored by Close Brothers Aviation and Marine. In the morning Gogo Business Aviation will be talking about the Internet of Things and bringing you the latest information on current trends and technologies. This is followed by a BACA broker training session on best practice, which is repeated in the afternoon to allow as many broker staff as possible to attend. Midday sees BACA and ARGUS presenting an introduction to their Certified Broker programme.

After a timely break for lunch the afternoon resumes with BACA providing a platform for charter operators to engage in a discussion on how both sides of the charter request process can get the best from each other.

Highlights from the static display

Boutique airline AirGO is attending ACE for the first time. Its key business is private aircraft commercial charter but it also offers management and new and pre-owned sales and acquisitions for Piaggio Aero Avanti and Avanti EVO aircraft. You can get on board its Avanti EVO in the exhibition hall.

Managing director Daniela Flierl says: “We think this one-day event is perfect for presenting the Avanti aircraft to the charter market, and to connect with new people in the business. We operate a lot of charter in the London market with daily flights into and from the UK. This is why we decided to give brokers, passengers and potential aircraft buyers the opportunity to experience this beautiful aircraft with its amazing mid-size stand-up cabin at a light jet price.”

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Austria, GlobeAir takes pride in being among the fastest growing private jet charter operators in the air taxi sector in Europe. With the world’s largest fleet of modern Citation Mustang jets, 16 aircraft in total, the company is certified for landing in more than 1,500 airports across Europe, including those typically out of the reach of traditional airlines and larger private jets. You will be able to climb on board one of its Mustangs on the static display.

CEO Bernhard Fragner says that over the years ACE has become one of the most anticipated aviation events for GlobeAir: “As exhibitors we can maximise all the networking possibilities that the exhibition can offer, making it a very profitable day for future business relations. This year our priority is to meet customers, sponsors and future partners while keeping updated with the latest business aviation trends. ACE is one of those events where relationships in business aviation are made and maintained.”

Just some of the aircraft on display

• Beechcraft B200 King Air - 2Excel Aviation Based at Doncaster, this King Air has a range of 1,000 nm and capacity for seven passengers. The interior was refurbished in 2016.
• Agusta A109S Grand - Castle Air This executive twin engine helicopter, seating six passengers, has recently undergone a full refurbishment comprising full custom matt black paintwork and new VVIP grey and anthracite leather with carbon fibre and brushed aluminium detailing plus new carpets, over mats and seat belts.
• Citation Mustang - GlobeAir The Citation Mustang offers high performance, up to 40,000 ft, and excellent airport accessibility. It seats four passengers, has 25 kg of luggage capacity, a ski compartment, a golf bag extension and an emergency toilet.
• Challenger 300 - Sovereign Business Jets A super mid-size private jet that balances performance, cabin environment and value. Offering six individual seats and a three-seat side facing divan, the cabin is appointed in light leather and service includes bespoke catering, refreshments and beverages. The luggage hold is accessible in flight and will accommodate eight suitcases, golf clubs or skis. There is an enclosed washroom and toilet compartment.
• Hawker 800XP - Voluxis Fully refurbished in 2016, its seats up to eight passengers in double club configuration. Based at London Biggin Hill airport and certified to operate worldwide, the Hawker 800XP has a range of 2,600 nm and endurance of up to six hours. The fully stocked galley and bar can accommodate a range of hot and cold meal options served by a dedicated flight attendant. There is stand-up headroom and passengers can access the baggage compartment and enclosed lavatory.
• Boeing 737 VIP - 2Excel Aviation Refurbished in December 2017 with brand-new interiors and paint, these 737s are fitted with 62 VIP business class configurations with the option of a 56-seat layout that enables Club Four seating at the front. They are based at London Stansted but are available to position and depart from any airport. 2Excel flights offer VIP catering by experienced chefs and catering companies.
• Falcon 8X - Dassault Aviation The Falcon 8X offers the greatest range and the longest cabin of any Falcon and the largest selection of cabin configurations in business aviation. With low operating economics and good operating flexibility, the 8X builds on Dassault's know-how in aerodynamics, computer modelling, precision design and manufacturing, and advanced digital flight controls.
• Piaggio Avanti EVO – AirGO Private Airline Faster than a light jet with a stand-up cabin as spacious as that of a midsize jet, the Avanti EVO flies at airliner altitudes but with the fuel consumption of a turboprop. It has a 1.75 metre high cabin and the noise level and vibrations are low. With a convenient restroom with window, lavatory and wardrobe, the Avanti EVO suits long flights and can land on short runways.
• Challenger 650 - Bombardier Bombardier's best-selling large aircraft plat- form, the Challenger 650, has the widest-in-class cabin, worldwide reach and low direct operating costs. It can seat up to 12 passen-gers, offers advanced cabin technology and the baggage compartment is fully accessible.
• Nextant 400XTi - Time Air Fast and with good operational range the Nextant optimises space and efficiency in the cabin while low noise levels minimise fatigue. Its data and communications systems ensure maximum productivity at all times.

For more information and updates go to www.aircharterexpo.com