Story ID: 
Air Charter Association Interns Land Industry Jobs
By: Charles Alcock
Caption: Industry group is now shortlisting for 2026 internship program
Word Count: 416
Four of the 15 college-age recruits who participated in an internship program run by The Air Charter Association (ACA) in 2025 now have jobs in the industry. Member companies FlyerTech (part of Gama Aviation), Chapman Freeborn, and Air Charter Service have hired the interns for full-time positions, the industry group reported on Thursday.
Those recruited were part of the 2025 internship cohort that received training and work experience opportunities at locations including London Biggin Hill Airport. The ACA started the program in 2024 for people aged 18 to 25 with a view to expanding horizons for companies wanting to attract the next generation of employees in an industry that has faced intense competition for skills with other sectors.
“I’ve really enjoyed my first few months; it’s been busy, but in a good way, as it’s allowed me to learn a lot about aviation and the engineering side of the industry, while simultaneously being a part of the process,” commented Thineth Panagoda, an airworthiness officer with FlyerTech. “I am constantly developing my skills, and I’m looking forward to getting involved in a variety of projects. The ACA internship gave me a strong foundation in the air charter industry, especially as I had very limited exposure to it beforehand.”
The program is run by the association’s NextGen Group, which connects with colleges and universities to promote career opportunities. Last week, it hosted a Young Professionals Networking Evening at the Royal Aeronautical Society, attended by more than 70 air charter professionals, including some of the recently hired interns.
During the event, The ACA polled attendees about what they view as the most important issues impacting the charter industry in 2026, with sustainability once again at the top of the list. Almost two-thirds of those responding said they would have applied for the internship if it had been available when they were seeking their first industry role, with three-quarters saying it would have made it easier to get a job. Of the young respondents, 30% said they got their first job via an internship, apprenticeship, or graduate scheme.
The ACA is now shortlisting candidates for the 2026 internship program, which provides training in commercial and operational tasks and includes a one- to two-week-long placement with a company. “We launched The ACA internship program in 2024 to provide aspiring young aviation professionals with the foundation knowledge and practical experience to start a career in the air charter industry,” said the group’s chairman, Kevin Ducksbury.