The strike last week by French Air Traffic Controllers highlighted the difficulties air passengers face when confronted by such challenges.

A team from the Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA) found themselves in the thick of it during a visit to the French Aircraft manufacturer, Dassault Aviation in Bordeaux. The group of CEOs and senior managers found their return flights had been cancelled at short notice. All possibilities of returning by train were ruled out as they were booked solid due to the strike. Similarly all scheduled return flights were taken and the group faced a wait of 3 days in Bordeaux before there was any possibility of getting back.

Fortunately the group were able to use their knowledge and expertise to find an aircraft that was able to return the executives back to the UK. However this clearly demonstrates the importance and value that the charter broker industry brings to business, not only at times of crisis but in cost savings and efficiencies throughout the year. Private and business aviation is an essential tool for many companies that rely on top executives delivering value and travelling in the quickest and most efficient way. When much of the European travel industry ground to a halt it is thanks to business aviation and the chartering of business aircraft that many companies suffered minimal disruption. In light of their experience BACA calls for European governments to recognise the importance of the aircraft charter industry and not just to see it as something that can be taxed continually. BACA Chairman Tony Coe, who was himself marooned in France, said "This incident was just one of hundreds that occurred during the strike. One British airline stuck with it and did operate
	BACA Chairman Tony Coe
services, albeit late ones, but others simply cancelled flights across the board. The Business Aviation community came to the rescue of many people and proved its worth yet again. The flight the BACA group chartered was airborne 90 minutes from request, a wonderful service. I hope that many people will take time to consider the advantages benefits and efficiencies of private air charter."