Press Release

Issued by The Air Charter Association.

August 23, 2011

The Baltic Air Cargo Association (BACA) has added a Humanitarian Award to its annual Excellence Awards to recognise the important role played by the air charter industry in the field of humanitarian aid.

The BACA Humanitarian Award, generously sponsored by DHL, will be presented each year to an individual or group who have been judged to have contributed significant and valuable efforts over the previous 12 months to an emergency air operation, disaster relief or charitable activities.

Companies are encouraged to nominate members of staff, a team or crew who they feel have gone the extra mile, and the winner will be announced at BACA's Autumn Lunch and Awards Ceremony at Guildhall, London on 19 October 2011.

Master of Ceremonies is Nicholas Owen, BBC news presenter, sponsored by Gama Aviation. The main event sponsor is Air Charter Services, while Ruslan International has sponsored the wine.

The BACA Excellence Awards finalists are:

Best Passenger Charter Airline:

Eastern Airways, Monarch Airlines, Titan Airways

Best Cargo Charter Airline:

Lufthansa, Ruslan International, Volga-Dnepr Airlines

Best General Aviation Operator:

Centreline, London Executive Aviation, Synergy Aviation

Best Handling Agent / FBO:

Inflite Jet Centre, Signature Flight Support, TAG Aviation

Global Excellence Award:

Gainjet, Twinjet, Tyrolean Jet Services

Chairman Dick Gilbert says this is the sixth year that the awards have been held and the association is delighted with the number and quality of entries.

BACA, a non-profit-making organisation, represents air charter brokers and others involved in the commercial and business aviation industry, both passengers and cargo. It is the world's largest and most prestigious network for the air charter market, helping maintain the highest standards of professionalism and quality standards in air broking.

Based at the Baltic Exchange in London, the association has reached record numbers of members as it expands its global reach. Members include air charter brokers, airlines, airports, business aircraft operators, handling agents, aviation lawyers and consultants from around the world.