ACC Aviation has released its Charter Trends Report for 2026, offering a detailed assessment of the regulatory, economic and geopolitical forces expected to shape the global charter aviation landscape in the year ahead.
According to the London-based aviation services provider, the private aviation sector enters 2026 with strong underlying momentum. Global business jet activity during 2025 remained robust, with 3.9 million flights recorded between January and August alone, underlining sustained confidence in on-demand air travel. However, ACC cautions that a series of emerging pressures will significantly influence pricing, demand and operational decision-making.
“Our experts have closely analysed new regulatory mandates, regional specificities, and shifting customer behaviour, and identified their impact on pricing and demand,” said Charlie Wilcox, Director of Charter at ACC Aviation.
In Europe, rising taxation is expected to play a central role in reshaping charter economics. France’s “solidarity tax”, introduced in March 2025, now applies charges ranging from €210 to €2,100 per passenger depending on aircraft type and distance. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is set to increase Air Passenger Duty on private flights from 1 April 2026, adding more than £1,000 per passenger for long-haul and Band B services.
“Factoring these costs into trip budgets and routing through jurisdictions with lower levies will become an integral part of charter planning in 2026,” Wilcox noted.
Fuel pricing presents a more complex picture. While crude oil prices declined in 2025 and are forecast to remain relatively stable into 2026, ACC expects European operators to offset potential savings through higher sustainability-related costs. Under the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, fuel uplifted at EU airports must include a minimum proportion of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which remains significantly more expensive than conventional Jet A-1.
Regional divergence is set to remain pronounced. “Whilst Europe faces rising taxation and heightened environmental restrictions, North America is set for continued growth thanks to the region’s large domestic network and the absence of national departure laws,” said Mike Jennings, Vice President Commercial – America.
Geopolitical volatility is identified as one of the primary drivers of charter demand globally. ACC points to ongoing instability in regions such as Ukraine and Venezuela as factors likely to disrupt commercial air networks, alter airspace access and trigger sudden surges in demand for secure and flexible travel solutions. In this context, charter aviation is increasingly viewed as both a reactive tool and a strategic option for pre-planned movements.
The report also highlights changing customer behaviour. Established corporate clients are becoming more cost-conscious, prioritising efficiency and value, while new entrants – particularly fintech and technology-driven companies – are beginning to adopt charter aviation for the first time. These organisations are drawn by speed, control and security when scheduled services prove restrictive or unreliable.
Looking ahead, ACC emphasises the importance of forward planning and informed operational guidance. Clients are encouraged to remain flexible on routing and airport selection, consider jurisdictions with favourable regulatory environments, and select aircraft that balance resilience with cost efficiency.
“As geopolitical uncertainty continues into 2026, partnering with experienced providers will be essential in ensuring reliability and peace of mind,” Wilcox said.
ACC Aviation reports that it is actively monitoring slot availability, assessing airport networks and working closely with operators to ensure that private aviation continues to deliver its core advantage: unmatched operational flexibility.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: ACC AVIATION
