September 2 - The Baltic Air Charter Association is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a luncheon and awards ceremony at London's prestigious Guildhall next month.

The association, formed to promote the highest standards in air charter brokerage, has members from across both the passenger and freight commercial aviation industry.

 

Dick Gilbert, BACA chairman, says: "We decided to move to the Guildhall to mark this significant occasion and to accommodate the growing number of people who wish to attend our annual awards ceremony."

 

This year an additional accolade, the Global Excellence Award, has been added to the five established awards - Passenger Charter Airline, Cargo Charter Airline, General Aviation Operator, Handling Agent and Airport. The main sponsor is AirBP, and the new award is sponsored by Air Charter Service (ACS).

 

"We are delighted to have BBC presenter and sports commentator Clare Balding host the event for us," says Gilbert. "Our annual awards lunch is already a key event in the air charter calendar but we do endeavour to improve it year on year."

 

BACA is the successor of the Airbrokers' Association founded by members of the Baltic Mercantile and Shipping Exchange in March 1949. Membership includes air brokers, charter airlines, airports, business aircraft operators, freight forwarders and consultants.

 

There are still some tickets available for BACA members and their guests for the event on 29 October, 2009 at £100 + VAT. Contact Willem van der Pol +44 (0)20 7623 5501 or baca@balticexchange.co.uk.