BACA, the Air Charter Association is celebrating an all-time high record number of members. At the beginning of 2017 the number of members stood at 225; the highest in BACA's history. New membership applications and approvals continue to increase. The rise in numbers can partly be explained by the actions of the Council, under Chairman Richard Mumford, and the increasing recognition that BACA is a "global voice" for the air charter industry. This has been underlined by an increasingly international profile to the new members joining the Association
BACA Chairman Richard Mumford puts the increase in member numbers down to the work the association has done in raising its profile at international events such as EBACE and NBAA. Additionally members have been able to take advantage of top quality broker training events and the successful Spring and Autumn lunches. Most importantly, international air charter market participants can see the increasing value in BACA membership and the opportunity to carry the Association's logo in their business.
To further enhance member benefits BACA has teamed up with London Biggin Hill Airport and Air Charter Expo to create ACE 2017, a dedicated exhibition and conference for Charter Brokers and aircraft operators. Chairman Richard Mumford is keen to create an event where "brokers and industry colleagues can interact professionally and share ideas with like-minded individuals." To become a member of BACA, companies need to have been trading for at least two years, be proposed and seconded by current members and are then permitted to join subject to approval by the Council.
Speaking about the record number of members Chairman Richard Mumford said "This is great news as we start a busy year for BACA, it clearly demonstrates that companies want to be part of a network of brokers. The more members we have the more able we are to pursue our objectives of speaking up on behalf of brokers and promoting broker standards and best practices. I'm thrilled with the growth in member numbers, it is clear that the Association is known and trusted to stand up for Brokers' best interests. We try to carefully protect the quality of our members to ensure that they enhance the value in our Association, and so when we do accept new members we believe that they help make the Association and the market stronger.
