This week”s Big Interview sees Baltic Air Charter Association chairman, Markham Jackson, discuss the past, present and future of the organisation
What is the history of the Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA)?
Alfred Instone was a shipowner and broker who became involved with the Baltic Exchange in the 1930s. In 1949, with what can only be described as remarkable foresight and thought, he suggested to the Baltic board that they should organise an air freight division. He understood that the future growth potential in air freight was soon going to be significant across the globe. So, in that same year, the Baltic Exchange formed what was then known as the Airbrokers Association (ABA).
Initially, the ABA consisted of brokers who either represented airlines or freight shippers. Later on, passenger clients were involved as well. As with the Baltic Exchange itself, these brokers met regularly at noon at the Baltic to make deals on what was affectionately known as ”The Floor.” It was very much like the modern day version of the trading floors at the New York Stock Exchange.
In 1976 the ABA underwent a slight revamping, and the name was changed from the Airbrokers Association to the Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA). The impetus behind the name change was born out of a desire to identify more closely the Association with its ”parent,” the Baltic Exchange. From its inception, BACA has held true to its maxim: ”Our Word Our Bond.” The strength of the maxim”s meaning, coupled with the Association”s firm code of conduct for its members, have made BACA the industry standard for air chartering.
Over the years, BACA has seen significant growth, broadening its membership base to include those connected with air brokering such as airlines, airport owners, handling agents and aviation lawyers. Today, BACA has some 135 corporate members as well as 27 well-respected international members.
How has the industry changed since 1949?
As the size and scope of aircraft and airline fleets have increased over the years, so too has BACA. BACA has always distinguished itself by being able to grow in relation to industry movements and trends. In the past half-century BACA has transformed itself from its original concept - that of being a market place for customers, brokers and airlines - to its present day role as the much-recognised voice of the air charter industry.
As the voice for air charter professionals, BACA affords its membership with the means to discuss and counteract issues that are detrimental to the industry. Today, one of the hottest topics for debate, to which BACA lends considerable clout, is the rising opposition to the growth in the use of air transport generally across the globe.
Another key BACA strength is its close alliances with other aviation groups such as the Air League (formed in 1909). Such long-standing relationships allow the Association to address matters of concern to all of us in the industry. Where there”s a common purpose between alliances, BACA works to establish more unified representation for all.
What issues are most important to your members at present?
In reality, what issues aren”t of issue to our members? Really, BACA members are affected and have an impact in nearly all major global, national and local issues. Air transport ” whether it be for passenger or cargo ” is an essential part of virtually all segments of commerce and economies. As such the major issues, which are likely the most obvious, are the first to come to mind. Take for example, the broad but immensely important - and one might add sensitive - issue of global climate change. Here in the UK, the capacity problems at London”s main airports are of significant concern both to passenger airlines as well as the cargo carriers.
BACA lends our voice across the entire spectrum. We offer perspective as we seek to arrange reasoned debate. Today, we are working quite hard on behalf of the industry to tackle and address the vexed subject of those huge increases that BAA has recently allowed to be charged at their London hubs.
What do you offer the membership other than acting as their spokesmen on these subjects?
Twice a year we hold informative luncheons in London, where we encourage informal debate and commentary. Our luncheons provide our members with an opportunity to sit casually face-to-face, network and discuss various ways for addressing the most pressing issues. Generally, 150 to 250 members will attend these luncheons, and the events are seen as a welcome chance to socialise. Additionally, we host our Annual Excellence Awards at Plaisterers Hall in London. This is probably our most anticipated event of the year, where we spotlight and celebrate excellence within the air charter industry. The awards recipients are voted for by BACA members who work in the relevant fields. The ceremony is a chance for BACA members to publicly recognise and perpetuate outstanding service.
What does the future hold for BACA?
While we are already recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority and other such bodies as the pre-eminent voice for our industry, it remains our goal to be as vocal and available as possible throughout the coming months and years. We are actively implementing a series of changes within the Association, all aimed at better informing the public, the press and the political world as to the very forward-looking nature of BACA.
For example, at this year”s award luncheon on 24 April, we will be unveiling our new quality mark. The quality mark will envelope our familiar BACA logo, which will then be used as a recognisable symbol of quality and integrity by the industry. As we have always expected our members to abide by our honourable code of conduct, we will also be placing greater emphasis on our maxim: ”Our word our bond.”
Our three-part goal is to further make the quality mark, maxim and binding code of conduct the respected standard for the entire global air charter industry. In our own right, BACA is already the mark of quality for everyone involved with air chartering ” from the small local companies to the major international players. Because of our history, because of our strength of membership and because of our sincere concern for this vital industry, we are taking broad action this year to be highly active, vocal and much more accessible.
BACA is the representative voice for our immense industry.