United Kingdom

The ACA confirms return of ACE 2021

September 14th event to showcase first electric aircraft to market

The Air Charter Association (The ACA) is announcing the return of Air Charter Expo (ACE) taking place at London Biggin Hill Airport on 14 September 2021. The event will be the first in-person air charter exhibition of its kind to be confirmed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

ACE 2021, running in partnership with Business Air News (BAN) and London Biggin Hill Airport, is anticipated to welcome over 1,000 delegates and to showcase more than 60 global companies’ exhibits. Both inside the hangar and in the adjacent open-air static aircraft park, visitors will be able to step onboard a diverse range of more than 20 aircraft, including the first electric aircraft to market.

Glenn Hogben, chief executive, The Air Charter Association, says: “As the first real-life industry expo event for our community since March 2020, we are extremely excited to reunite the air charter industry this September. In-person networking has been severely stunted over the past year and ACE offers renewed business opportunities for aviation professionals.

“The exhibition is open to air charter and aviation companies worldwide and the diversity of the exhibitors, combined with the numerous aircraft types on display, from private jets to commercial aircraft and air ambulances, will offer a great insight into the future of air charter and where our strengths and opportunities lie.”

Andy Patsalides, head of marketing, London Biggin Hill Airport, says: “We are delighted to once again host this important event and bring the European air charter community together in person. During the past year a new audience has realised the benefits of private aviation and its values have been reinforced to existing users.

“As we anticipate a resurgence in charter traffic once travel bans are lifted, ACE attendees will be able to refresh their knowledge on all aspects of air charter, as well as view an impressive range of aircraft, to provide the best guidance to their clients. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September.”

The conference program will include a morning session hosted by The ACA which will address key issues affecting charter brokers and aircraft operating companies including sustainability and innovation, illegal air charter and insights for the next generation of industry professionals. The afternoon session will focus on the exhibition’s new ‘green charter’ theme, with insights into electric and hybrid aircraft and the role of technology in reducing the industry's environmental footprint.