ACC: Taxation Most Immediate Cost Driver for Air Charter

In its Charter Trends Report for 2026, ACC Aviation has cautioned that, despite entering 2026 “with considerable momentum,” the private aviation sector will nevertheless continue to face operational challenges. Specifically, regional differences—such as varying European tax burdens and increasing environmental considerations—will augment challenges posed by ongoing geopolitical uncertainty worldwide.

The UK-headquartered wet-lease, charter, and consultancy provider concludes that the “most immediate cost driver in 2026 will be taxation,” with France’s 2025 so-called “solitary tax” to be joined by a “substantial increase” in UK air passenger duty from April. “Factoring these costs into trip budgets—and where feasible, routing through jurisdictions with lower levies—will become an integral part of [private] charter planning in 2026,” stated ACC.

Although jet-A fuel costs declined by more than 8% in 2025 compared to 2024, an EU sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate in effect from 2025 requires a blend of at least 2% SAF, a commodity currently several times the cost of conventional fuel.

Certain European airports such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Geneva, and London Heathrow are also considering new caps on private operations to mitigate emissions and noise. “As restrictions evolve, travelers may increasingly rely on secondary airports—a trend ACC Aviation helps clients navigate daily through its detailed network analysis,” explained ACC.

Growth Opportunities and Evolving Expectations

Nevertheless, ACC believes the U.S. air charter market is “set for continued growth, supported by a large domestic network and the absence of national departure taxes.” High-profile events such as the annual Super Bowl and major sporting fixtures will continue to drive spikes in demand. “These clients are encouraged to remain flexible on routing and airport selection…and select aircraft types that balance resilience with value,” said ACC Aviation director of charter Charlie Wilcox.

Wilcox has also noticed a shift in customer behavior, with “established corporates…becoming more cost-conscious, often prioritizing efficiency and savings over traditional travel patterns.” This is augmented by new entrants, typically from high-growth technology companies, who “are more willing to adopt charter solutions when commercial travel proves restrictive or unreliable.”