The benefits of booking your sports charter flight with ACS
Whether it's a last-minute flight for a sports team or a group of fans travelling to the big game, our group charter experts organise hundreds of sports-related charters every year.
“Over the last 30 years we've built extensive knowledge and close operator relationships to achieve the best solutions for our customers,” says Alex Sadat Shafai, ACS’s Global Football Sales Director (pictured below). “Today, ACS is one of the largest providers of sports-based charters.
“Each sports charter requires a tailored solution, with our approach determined by whether the request comes in from a team, fan group or sponsor. For example, attention to detail is paramount when we’re chartering for a sports team, whereas a group of fans usually prefers a more cost-effective option. Whatever the charter, we always ascertain the client’s top priorities so we can deliver the ideal solution.”
How we tailor charters
“As a charter broker, we don’t have a fleet, so we’re not tied to certain aircraft we can and can’t use at any given time,” Alex adds. “Instead, we have access to thousands of aircraft and numerous operators worldwide, allowing us to provide more options for our clients.
“The type and model of aircraft required by sports clubs varies from team to team, but priorities usually include seat pitch, seat recline and operational capabilities. As a result, we often source various business-class aircraft that deliver in these areas.
“Other requests are more cost-sensitive. In these instances, we alter our search and present the client with a range of options offering a mix of business class and economy seats, allowing the group to travel together on a lower-priced charter.
“As most groups of sports fans prioritise cost, we look to source aircraft with lower operational costs and therefore lower costs per seat, such as the Airbus A320 and A321 or the Boeing B737-800. On the rare occasion we’re asked to fly a smaller group who don’t want the expense of chartering a business class aircraft, we might suggest a Bombardier CRJ-200 or Embraer E145LR as the best charter option.
“Once the client signs off on the aircraft, our dedicated flight support team ensures that everything is set up to their unique specifications and they have all the details and documentation needed for their flight. This service also includes arranging the agreed catering and bar service or sourcing additional branded items.”
“We know that arriving on time and within the planned schedule is a key aspect of sports team chartering,” Alex continues, “and we’re experienced at achieving this goal even with last-minute requests, when clients need to reach their destination in double-quick time after the late cancellation of their original charter or commercial flight.
“This is where our experience, connections and industry know-how come to the fore. For example, just last year we were asked to fly a women’s basketball team to a European fixture after their scheduled flight was cancelled. Within 24 hours, our team sourced a Saab 340 that could accommodate all 20 passengers within the client’s budget.
“Along with our attention to detail and ability to customise any charter, being able to regularly fulfil last-minute charter requests is one of our major strengths over competitors.”
Executing last-minute and exclusively tailored charters are just two of the many benefits of booking a group charter with us. We also offer a 24/7 operations department, flight support, a dedicated compliance team and more, including:
Your own personal account manager
When you book a group charter with us, we’ll assign a personal account manager who you can contact at any point in the process. It doesn’t matter what time of the day, we’re available 24/7 to take your call, giving you peace of mind that any last-minute requests or questions can be discussed with a real person you’ve built a relationship with.
The best available aircraft at the best price
We have access to thousands of aircraft across the globe and are rarely limited in what we can offer our customers. For every charter we arrange, we source the best available aircraft, at the best possible price, that’s available when the customer needs it.
Unrivalled experience and buying power
With over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, our contacts and specialist knowledge are unrivalled. Our reputation and buying power also allow us to secure you the most affordable charter rates.
Global presence, local knowledge
Our network of offices spans six continents, giving us worldwide access to aircraft and airports as well as local know-how in each region. This means that wherever you are, you’ll always be able to contact a charter expert with specialist knowledge of the region you’re in.
Concierge services
Need to organise airport transfers? Looking for accommodation that matches the luxury of a VIP group charter? Our dedicated travel team offers a range of services, from full travel packages to extras like sports and event tickets. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, we can tailor-make any or all elements of your trip in line with your budget.
To learn more about how we can fulfil your sports charter needs, contact one of our charter specialists.