News Release

Need for clear standards and workforce development raised as key focus areas at The ACA's inaugural US networking reception

Global trade body The Air Charter Association (The ACA) highlighted the role it plays in meeting concerns in the US air charter industry at its first US networking reception of 2026.

With 50 industry guests in attendance, the event was held at the Bombardier service centre at Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport in Florida on 24 February, ahead of exhibiting at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Miami-Opa locka Regional Forum.

Sponsored by The ACA member GGT Worldwise, the networking event provided an opportunity to connect with US members and industry colleagues, discuss the opportunities and challenges currently facing the US charter market and how The ACA is best placed to support air charter professionals in the US. The ACA's chief executive Glenn Hogben hosted the evening, joined by international board member for North America Ryan Waguespack, head of training Julie Ellis and training manager Claudia Schimansky.

The areas of concern raised by US members and industry partners included a need for a clear standard among brokers; support with workforce development; and guidance on regulation.

Glenn Hogben, chief executive, The ACA says: “The role of an air charter broker is highly specialised, therefore having defined standards is vital to ensuring professionals across the market are aware of established best practices and legal obligations. Similarly, identifying new talent is a vital component of a healthy industry, and greater engagement is needed to support young people into a career in air charter. Professional training alleviates both these issues by bringing new employees up to speed with required knowledge, as well as identifying and resolving potential gaps in experienced brokers' knowledge.

“The ACA is well-placed to deliver value for US air charter companies, upholding the highest industry standards, providing professional charter market accreditation, bespoke training, workforce development, unrivalled business networking events and supporting members with guidance on the ever-changing regulatory landscape.”

The US is an integral part of The ACA's membership, being the largest territory for growth of new members in 2025. The ACA represents 450 members, 50 of which are in the US, across 64 countries and across all industry sectors. The ACA is keen to highlight the value it delivers to US member companies, as it commits more of its resource to the US air charter market, with two previous industry networking events in Colorado and Georgia in 2024 and The ACA US Regional Forum held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in August 2025. The association will also be hosting a Regional Forum later this year at Dallas Love Field Airport, Dallas, Texas from 25-26 August.

Glenn Hogben continues: “The ACA has increased its US presence significantly over the past few years, and I am delighted to be able to host events where we can really connect with members and colleagues face-to-face and facilitate important discussions on how we as an association are best placed to deliver support, advice and accreditation of standards. I look forward to The ACA US Regional Forum in Dallas in August later this year, and hope to welcome many familiar and some new members.”

Being a member of The ACA provides accreditation that a company is professional, experienced and trustworthy. The ACA also proactively campaigns against illegal charter flights, educating both the travelling public and governments, with support from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) on its Fly Legal Day campaign (January 21). Clients recognise the value and security of booking and managing their air charter through an ACA accredited broker or operator.