The BACA Awards 2018 – revitalised Awards recognise the best in the industry

A capacity audience gathered at the Guildhall in London on the 3rdOctober for the 12thpresentation of BACA Excellence Awards. The Awards are presented annually and attract guests from all over the world to the see who has received accolades from BACA – the Air Charter Association. 

The 2018 Awards saw a number of changes to ensure that the Awards reflect the very best in the air charter industry on a global level. A panel of international judges, representing many of the key regional and trade associations, reviewed the nominations and allocated their marks to account for a high proportion of the scoring. Our thanks go to AIN Online, AsBAA, EBAA, Geraldine Malempre and TIACA for joining the panel. The BACA membership also voted on the shortlist of finalists and the scores were combined to find the ultimate winners.

The Chairman’s Award was the final presentation of the day and this saw a very warm reception for Capt. Eric Thurston, MBE who was able to accept the Award in person. The Awards ceremony started with the Passenger Charter Operator of the Year Award which was won by Air Charter Scotland, the complete portfolio of Award winners was as follows;

Passenger Charter Operator of the Year – AIR CHARTER SCOTLAND

 - sponsored by Air Charter Service

Cargo Charter Operator of the Year – ANTONOV AIRLINES

 - sponsored by Network Aviation Group

Handling Agent / FBO of the Year – SIGNATURE FLIGHT SUPPORT

 - sponsored by Luxaviation UK

Aircraft Manufacturer of the Year – BOMBARDIER

 - sponsored by London Biggin Hill Airport

Young Person of the Year – ZACH RANKIN

 - sponsored by TAG Farnborough Airport

The BACA Chairman’s Award – CAPT. ERIC THURSTON, MBE

 - sponsored by Titan Airways

BACA Chairman Richard Mumford concluded the Awards by saying “We have changed a few things to ensure that the winners of the 2018 BACA Awards are as international as possible and reflect the global reach of our industry. I would like to thank the judges for their hard work and diligence in judging the different categories. I would also like to thank the sponsors for their continued support of the Awards and ensuring we have had much increased levels of interest this year. I would like to congratulate the winners and thank everyone concerned for such an incredible BACA Awards luncheon.”