Sustainability has been identified as the most significant issue affecting air charter in 2025, according to a survey conducted by The Air Charter Association (The ACA) at its Young Professionals' Networking Evening in London. The ACA’s NextGen Group hosted the event at the Royal Aeronautical Society on 27 February, gathering 75 young professionals from ACA member companies to gauge their perspectives on industry challenges.

The ACA chairman Kevin Ducksbury says: “Sustainability was highlighted as the most important factor affecting the industry in 2025, indicating there is now a broad consensus, particularly among the younger generation, of the need to continue progressing efforts to decarbonise the industry. Also key themes highlighted were, not surprisingly in this current climate, politics, followed by specific issues such as 'French tax', 'labour' and 'emissions'.”

NextGen Group chair Nicola-Jane Sellers outlined the group’s outreach efforts, including attendance at 24 careers events over the past year to promote industry opportunities. She also presented The ACA Internship scheme, which has an application deadline of 21 March.

Survey results indicated that a lack of industry awareness remains the main barrier to attracting young talent, with attendees emphasising the need for internships to provide a clearer understanding of the sector. Ducksbury adds: “Our NextGen event was a great opportunity to hear directly from young people in the industry, their aspirations, challenges and what really matters to them. When we asked how the air charter industry can better support young professionals' career development, the leading response was 'more networking opportunities', closely followed by 'training'.”

The ACA has continued to push sustainability initiatives, working with 4Air to offset its organisational footprint and promote sustainable aviation fuel. Many ACA member companies have offsetting schemes in place, with an increasing number offering flight offsetting as standard.

Sponsored by Luxaviation UK and SaxonAir, the networking event was first held in 2024 and has since become a fixture in The ACA’s calendar. Of the 75 attendees, 41% were at an ACA event for the first time.