ACC Aviation Reports a Robust 1st Quarter

ACC Aviation, the global aviation services group, reported a robust first quarter in its core disciplines of ACMI and charter, with widened consulting activity as the aviation industry starts to ramp up for the summer.

Its charter business was up 20% on flight volume compared with the first quarter of 2021, despite many airline partners being hindered by lack of crew and reduced fleets. Since January, the strongest theme has been the return of the more ‘traditional charter sectors,’ noted Director of Charter, Richard Smith. Sports charter, consistently strong through the pandemic, continues to lead activity. Still, with the onset of 2022, music/entertainment and conference and incentive (MICE) travel, followed by the automotive sector, came back after a two-year pause.

Highlights in Q1 included some movie production around Europe, many of which flew into regional airport destinations, reducing the overall travel time for crew and talent during time-sensitive shoots. The trend of entertainment industry business also continued at the start of the year with the ACC team staging a series of Caribbean charters for a YouTube personality.

With the World Cup in Doha six months away, ACC Aviation has been lending consultancy advice for national teams and their fan group travel, already securing widebody aircraft availability for groups able to commit early. Building on its continued investment in the USA, in Q1, ACC added new team members across Sales, Operations and Finance.   

ACMI ramps up

ACC Aviation’s ACMI business ramped up with the switch to the summer schedule on 27 March. Combined with ongoing Covid related sickness in Q1, airlines struggled to maintain programs, resulting in a need for short term ACMI requirements.

Consulting sees growing aircraft asset and transaction activity

The first quarter saw ACC Aviation continue to expand its consulting division, winning several new aircraft lender and lessor engagements and bolstering the team with an additional targeted hire.

In March, ACC Aviation further bolstered its consulting team by welcoming Faizal Gara, based in London, to lead the development of the business’ technical and asset management services.