Story ID: 
Covid-19 Throttles Air Charter Expo 2020 Plans
By: Jerry Siebenmark
Caption: The Air Charter Expo will return next year at London Biggin Hill Airport.
Word Count: 230
The Air Charter Expo (ACE) set for September has been canceled because of the ongoing effects of Covid-19, organizers The Air Charter Association (ACA) and Business Air News announced Thursday. However, it will return on Sept. 14, 2021, at London Biggin Hill Airport (BQH).

“While we’re disappointed to postpone this year’s ACE, our partners, colleagues, and friends are already gearing up for a truly exceptional event in 2021,” ACA chairman Kevin Ducksbury said. “Facing Covid-19 has only proven how agile and innovative our industry can be, and I’m immensely proud of how charter brokers and operators across the spectrum have pivoted their operations to support relief efforts. In preparation for the second half of this uniquely challenging year, we’re reminding our members to call on the ACA for support wherever it’s needed, as we look forward to reuniting in 2021.”

Last year’s ACE was attended by 1,100 brokers, operators, and other aviation professionals and featured 70 exhibitors and more than 20 business aircraft. “We are very much looking forward to hosting ACE next year, the fifth to be held at BQH,” said airport marketing head Andy Patsalides. “Meanwhile, we continue to support the charter broker and operator community as they regroup.”

David Wright of Business Air News said the ACE team is already working with exhibitors and sponsors in planning “a landmark 2021 event.”