Global trade body The Air Charter Association (The ACA), exhibiting at AERO Friedrichshafen for the first time as an official partner of the show, has hosted its annual European Regional Forum at AERO, alongside its Air Charter Essentials Certificate training course, and co-sponsored the AERO BASH Party 2026 powered by Platoon Aviation.

The Air Charter Essentials Certificate is a one-day training course designed to support new talent for those wishing to enter the industry and is open to non-members. Young people aged 18-25 and members of The ACA benefit from a subsidised rate.

The ACA European Regional Forum featured three conference sessions, with the first panel addressing the value of the air charter industry; how it drives business and supports the global economy, as well as the diverse range of career opportunities available. Glenn Hogben, chief executive, The ACA, explains: “Young people often explore commercial aviation routes and miss the opportunities available in air charter. It is important that we, as an industry, advocate for and showcase the vast scope of exciting career paths and opportunities available in air charter.”

The ACA Internship is one of the association's core initiatives for supporting young people into employment, with five of the 2025 intern cohort already securing jobs at leading air charter companies.

The second panel focused on the dangers of illegal charter, how to recognise and avoid it, alongside the distinctions in regulation between the EU, US and UK. The final panel analysed the specialist role of air charter brokers, the complexities of arranging flights and how brokers add value.

Kevin Ducksbury, chairman, The ACA concludes: “It has been fantastic to partner with AERO Friedrichshafen for this year's show and to help develop the presence of business aviation and the wider air charter market at the event. Seeing so many of our members present at the event highlights the value of being here and enables us to collectively showcase the best of the air charter industry. Having a dedicated day on Saturday for students to attend is also a great way to connect with and inspire the next generation of air charter professionals.”