The Air Charter Association (ACA) has highlighted its role in supporting the US air charter industry at its first US networking reception of 2026. Held in February at the Bombardier service centre at Miami-Opa Locka Executive airport, the event brought together 50 industry guests ahead of the ACA’s participation in the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Miami-Opa Locka Regional Forum.

Sponsored by the ACA member GGT Worldwise, the evening provided an opportunity to connect with US members and industry colleagues, discuss the opportunities and challenges currently facing the US charter market and explain how the ACA supports air charter professionals in the region. The ACA’s chief executive Glenn Hogben hosted, joined by international board member for North America Ryan Waguespack, head of training Julie Ellis and training manager Claudia Schimansky.

Areas of concern raised by US members and industry partners included a need for clear standards among brokers, support with workforce development and guidance on regulation.

Hogben comments: “The role of an air charter broker is highly specialised, therefore having defined standards is vital to ensuring professionals across the market are aware of established best practices and legal obligations. Similarly, identifying new talent is a vital component of a healthy industry, and greater engagement is needed to support young people into a career in air charter. Professional training alleviates both these issues by bringing new employees up to speed with required knowledge, as well as identifying and resolving potential gaps in experienced brokers' knowledge.

“The ACA is well placed to deliver value for US air charter companies, upholding the highest industry standards, providing professional charter market accreditation, bespoke training, workforce development, unrivalled business networking events and supporting members with guidance on the ever-changing regulatory landscape.”

The association has previously hosted networking events in Colorado and Georgia in 2024, and the ACA US Regional Forum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in August 2025. Later this year, it will host a Regional Forum at Dallas Love Field Airport, Dallas, Texas, from 25–26 August.

The US is an integral part of the ACA's membership, being the largest territory for growth of new members in 2025. The ACA represents 450 members across 64 countries, with 50 in the US, and across all industry sectors. Hogben explains: “The ACA has increased its US presence significantly over the past few years, and I am delighted to be able to host events where we can really connect with members and colleagues face-to-face and facilitate important discussions on how we as an association are best placed to deliver support, advice and accreditation of standards.”

Membership of the ACA provides accreditation that a company is professional, experienced and trustworthy. The ACA also proactively campaigns against illegal charter flights, educating both the travelling public and governments, with support from the FAA on its Fly Legal Day campaign.