ACE is the first company in the Benelux Union that makes it possible for such groups - from 20 passengers - to charter an exclusive aircraft to a destination of their choice, without using third parties.

The first aircraft to be used by ACE, an Embraer ERJ 135 seating 30 people, was officially presented on Monday (7th May) at Antwerp Airport.

"Until recently, [these] smaller groups were reliant on third parties for chartering such an aircraft," says Philippe Bodson, CEO of ASL Group and Air Charters Europe. "This was often not interesting for many companies because the aircraft had to be flown in from abroad. With Air Charters Europe we wish to change this and allow our numerous customers from the Benelux to travel in luxury and comfort in groups."

The ERJ 135 has adapted it to the needs and wishes of its customers:

"All airline plastic was removed and instead there is an interior that will remind you of what you can expect from a private Jet," says Bodson. "Each chair has its own power supply, the legroom between the chairs is a lot bigger than what you can expect, the walls were finished with ultra soft leather and the tables and toilets were finished with high quality materials.

"Finally, the overhead baggage bins were removed, which gives the aircraft cabin a much more spacious feeling and an extra soundproofing was installed, so that the noise level in the cabin will be much quieter than during a typical flight. In short, the comfort and passenger experience will not be surpassed.

"At the moment there are negotiations on a second larger aircraft of the same type that will accommodate 42 people, the ERJ 145. In the medium term it is the ambition to deploy multiple aircraft that will be stationed on a 'flex base' basis at different airports in Europe. In this way we wish to become one of the biggest players in Europe in the field of airline charters for groups," Philippe Bodson concludes.