Belgian operator Air Charters Europe (ACE), a subsidiary of ASL Group, has introduced its second charter aircraft at Antwerp Airport. In May last year, ACE launched its Embraer ERJ 135, an aircraft that is able to transport groups of 20 to 30 people to popular charter destinations. Although the jet has proved popular, the capacity of the aircraft is not large enough for all groups. In response ACE is introducing the new ERJ 145, which can accommodate up to 42 passengers in corporate class configuration.

“Our Embraer ERJ 135 has already crossed the whole of Europe in a year for different clients both at home and abroad,” explains group CEO Philippe Bodson. “Nevertheless, we notice that there is a need for more and larger charter aircraft. Football teams playing at European level and first-class clubs in France and Germany in particular require a capacity of at least 40 seats on charter flights. With the new ERJ 145 we want to offer an answer to this request. The expectation is that the ERJ 145 will fly even more charter hours than the ERJ 135.”

In Europe, the company says that the supply of charter aircraft for 20 to 50 passengers is still very limited. ACE therefore hopes to be able to grow its business and to add a new aircraft to its fleet every year.