The ACA promotes professional training and development of next generation at US Air Charter Regional Forum

The Air Charter Association held its first US Air Charter Regional Forum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on August 19-20. Starting with a networking reception at W Aviation, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE), the Forum conference sessions later took place at the Courtyard by Marriot. The ACA was delighted to welcome over 50 air charter professionals representing brokers, operators, FBO’s and support companies from across the industry, with delegates in attendance from North, Central and South America.

The conference opened with a panel discussion on challenges facing the US charter market, moderated by The ACA’s North America Board Member Ryan Waguespack, alongside panellists Viviana Kozin, COO, George J. Priester Aviation; Joel Fenn, regional private jets director, Air Charter Service; Jack Burt, SVP cargo, Chapman Freeborn and Kirti Odedra, director of sales, Planet Nine Private Air.

The forum was an excellent platform to address workforce challenges and highlight initiatives targeted at supporting the next generation of air charter professionals. Guest speaker Bettina Mrusek, dean and associate professor at Embry-Riddle University gave an insightful presentation, highlighting the progression pathways of aviation students into the industry. The ACA’s chief executive, Glenn Hogben also introduced The ACA training courses through an interactive aviation quiz, delivering knowledge, vital to proficient air charter professionals. The final session featured a presentation from Joshua Crumbaugh, Phish Firewall on cyber security and potential risks and mitigations. 

Glenn Hogben, chief executive, The ACA, commented: “It is great to see the Association building upon the successes of our previous US roundtable events by bringing the Air Charter Regional Forum to Florida for the first time. It was an invaluable opportunity to connect with our US members and colleagues, face-to-face, and share some of the initiatives we have been developing, including our professional training courses which we are continuing to expand. We look forward to bringing further forum events to the US in 2026.”

The ACA has more than 50 US members within its global membership of 440 companies, in 61 countries. Alongside its unrivalled business networking events, The ACA also upholds the highest standards within the air charter industry by providing professional charter market accreditation, bespoke training, workforce development and advocacy for the industry.

Ryan Waguespack, International Board Member for North America, The ACA, stated: “With more than 50 guests in attendance, the forum made for an excellent networking opportunity, and it was great to engage with industry colleagues. It also provided the perfect platform to promote the hard work of The ACA and learn how we can better support our US members and add value to the wider US air charter industry.”  

Thanks to event sponsors AEG FUELS, W Aviation FBO and Silver Lining Inflight Catering.