More than 850 people flocked to Biggin Hill airport to enjoy a blend of presentations, static display and exhibitors at the Air Charter Expo recently. With a wide variety of aircraft on the static display and more than 60 exhibitors there was plenty for visitors to see, including an impressive Formula 1 combination of a Grand Prix challenge courtesy of PrivateFly and a Sauber Formula 1 car on display thanks to GlobeAir.

The conference programme kicked off with BACA's CEO breakfast forum in front of a packed room of CEOs and senior management. This was an opportunity for BACA chairman Richard Mumford and CEO Dave Edwards to update delegates on the association's work in the market over the past year, as well as to join together to discuss the main issues and challenges facing the aviation industry. Inevitably, one of the most pressing subjects was Brexit and the need for clear direction on how UK and European brokers and operators can arrange flights post Brexit.

On the static display there were aircraft of all sizes, including a Gulfstream G280, Dassault Falcon 2000XLS, Cessna Citation Latitude, Bombardier Challenger 650 and an Airbus A318. The number and variety of aircraft assembled made the display the most impressive collection of aircraft displayed in the UK for an air charter event. Visitors had plenty of opportunities to climb on board, take a look at cabin capacity and seating configurations, and talk with pilots and crew.

The number of exhibitors grew yet again for the 2018 event, with more than 60 exhibitors providing delegates the chance to discuss all aspects of air charter. An increased number of overseas exhibitors also helped to bring a more international feeling to the day.

Mumford summed up the day saying: "ACE18 has been an incredible success, I am delighted with how this event has evolved to become a must-visit show for brokers and operators. I am particularly pleased at the growing number of international delegates and have been delighted to meet visitors from the United States, Germany, Austria, France, Italy and Sweden. I would like to thank our sponsors and congratulate Charter Broker magazine and London Biggin Hill Airport for their hard work in staging ACE18 and I look forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2019."