Charter & Fractional
Air Charter Industry Faces Struggle To Close Skills Gap
Industry leader says companies face struggle to recruit new generation
Kevin Ducksbury, chair of the Air Charter Association
Kevin Ducksbury, chair of the Air Charter Association, addressed the Air Charter Expo at London Biggin Hill Airport on September 10. © AIN/Charles Alcock

Educating a new generation of industry professionals and ensuring the wider society has a balanced understanding of private aviation were identified as key challenges at the Air Charter Expo (ACE), held today at London Biggin Hill Airport. Kevin Ducksbury, chairman of ACE organizer Air Charter Association (ACA), said the industry needs to ensure it is an attractive and lucrative career option, while also defending this mode of transportation in the face of growing hostility on environmental grounds.

“The environmental challenge is making our work harder,” he said during the event’s conference session. “Incorrect messaging over luxury travel [and its impact on the climate] is overshadowing the good work the industry does.”