ACA Warns Rising Costs Could Spur Illegal Charter

The Air Charter Association (ACA) is concerned that rising costs from elevated fuel prices could spur an increase in illegal for-hire flights. During the recent Aero Friedrichshafen show in Germany, the industry group had discussions with national business aviation associations to address concerns that some private operators are blurring the lines in order to circumvent commercial operating rules.

Kevin Ducksbury, the industry group’s chairman, told AIN that some so-called “club membership” offerings are being used to disguise what are actually private operations. He said that groups such as the Austrian Business Aviation Association are worried that these may amount to “gray” charter activity that could result in serious legal and safety issues, while placing legitimate commercial operators at a competitive disadvantage.

ACA members are under significant pressure due mainly to fuel prices that have doubled following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Ducksbury said that while concerns over the prospect of fuel shortages grounding aircraft are overstated, operators are having to pass on at least some of the inflated operating costs to customers in the form of fuel surcharges.

The association, which also represents cargo operators, said some flights in countries such as Sri Lanka have been cancelled due to fuel shortages. Ducksbury expressed concern that government-imposed fuel rationing could disrupt critical emergency medical flights.

Training Expansion

To promote its training programs for charter industry professionals, including brokers, ACA used Aero Friedrichshafen as a platform. It has expanded its training team and is now offering an Air Charter Essentials course for industry newcomers.

As part of wider efforts to attract new talent, ACA runs an annual next-generation internship program. For this year’s intake of 15 students, it has received 185 applications, which is almost a threefold increase from 2025. Four of the candidates accepted in 2025 now have full-time jobs in the air charter sector.

“We would love to expand this program to have two courses, and that could be done with the support of our membership,” Ducksbury said. “We try to educate them to understand career options available, including pilots, engineers, flight attendants, brokers, insurance, legal, catering, and operations.”

While ACA is based in the UK, most of its membership is spread across Europe and is growing in the U.S. and other parts of the world. The group is looking at ways to expand its partnership with the Aero Friedrichshafen show organizers.