The first few weeks in 2022 are expected to be busy for international team and player travel. With the January transfer window and Premier League winter breaks, football clubs continue to turn to charter for their travel arrangements. “We have been working hard this month on private air travel, bringing players and their families into the UK,” says Mitch Broadstock, the ACC Aviation Senior Business Development Manager.

Football teams’ commitments

While international travel and tourism are still heavily curtailed by extensive health controls and COVID testing requirements between countries, the imperative of elite sports teams to carry on ‘business as usual’, or at least as close as possible, remains.

The fulfilment of the obligations of fixtures, the need to strengthen squads during the transfer window and planning winter training camps all place unprecedented demands on a club’s operational organisation. As has been reported, the role of a dedicated air charter provider is fundamental to the successful running of these activities going into 2022. This is likely to remain vital for the rest of the winter sports season and potentially in the longer term too.

Why charter?

The air charter industry has become extremely well versed in delivering complex air travel solutions in a pandemic. Maintaining a secure health environment while travelling and still gaining the benefits of flexibility, privacy and convenience is now a proven way of doing business. A good air charter provider will have a large network of airlines that offer a wide range of aircraft types – from light jets for two or three passengers through to VIP long-haul airliners offering first-class comfort and service levels.

Aircraft and crews are often available at very short notice to react to tight deadlines to ensure that key signings can be secured, and teams are in the best shape to gain the most from overseas training camps. Not only are health security matters taken care of, but also all aircraft, crew and airlines will be vetted on your behalf and flight safety given the highest of all priorities.  

ACC Aviation - trusted partner

As a trusted partner of the Premier Sports Network, ACC Aviation has a deep understanding of the elite sports travel market, built up over two decades. Specialising in bespoke charter travel solutions, the team of highly experienced charter specialists can provide operational advice and commercial support in terms of pricing, aircraft options and operational guidance to ensure travel is organised as cost-effectively as possible. The service is available 24 hours and globally. With offices spanning across continents, ACC Aviation can move teams or individual players in any part of the world in a safe, professional and secure fashion.

“ACC Aviation have provided a flawless service for me over the last two seasons with team travel, private jets for transfers and the players’ holiday trips too.” - Matt Bennett, First Team Operations Manager at Aston Villa FC

About ACC Aviation

ACC Aviation provides market leading solutions across ACMI leasing, air charter, aviation asset management and strategic consultancy services. They serve a diverse, global client base and their international office network spans Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America and Asia Pacific.

For more information visit www.accaviation.com or contact mitch.broadstock@accaviation.com