The Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA), the world's largest and most prestigious network for aircharter professionals, is pleased to release the names of this year's 2008 Annual Excellence Awards winners.

London, UK, April 28, 2008 (XTVWorld.Com) -- The Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA), the world's largest and most prestigious network for aircharter professionals, is pleased to release the names of this year's 2008 Annual Excellence Awards winners. This year's recipients were celebrated at BACA's annual luncheon, held yesterday at Plaisterer's Hall in London.

The 2008 winners are as follows:

Best Passenger Charter Airline:
Titan Airways

Best Cargo Charter Airline:
African International

Best General Aviation Operator:
GAMA Aviation

Best Airport:
Farnborough

Best Handling Agent:
Signature Flight Support

BACA's Annual Excellence Awards honour quality and distinguished service within the air charter industry. Each year, some 200 members of BACA, their guests and representatives from the air charter industry and press are in attendance to celebrate the achievements made by the air charter industry and the award winners. This year's awards were voted for by BACA members who work in relevant fields.

Markham Jackson, BACA Chairman, said: "Our annual awards luncheon is the keystone event for the entire global air charter industry. This year, BACA has made great strides as an association and we are thrilled to be celebrating not only the exemplary service and commitment to quality of our finest members, but also the achievements and improvements made by BACA."

Later this summer, BACA will officially launch an industry-wide standard code of conduct and seal of quality. BACA, which has always expected its members to abide by its honourable code of conduct, will also be placing greater emphasis on its motto: "Our word, our bond." BACA, which has always been known for its professionalism and industry dedication, is becoming increasingly more active and vocal.

Chairman Jackson reiterated BACA's objectives for growth in 2008, "We are the voice of the entire industry. Because of our history, because of our strength of membership and because of our sincere concern for this vital industry, BACA is undertaking significant action this year to be as highly active, vocal and accessible to the public and press as possible."

In addition to this year's formal awards ceremony, the luncheon featured an Awards Raffle in generous aid of the Chairman's charity, 'Under Tree Schools', which fund raises for the building and supply of schools in Malek, Southern Sudan. 'Under Tree Schools' works to provide Sudanese children with much-needed educational classes year round instead of being taught "under trees," which are subject to horrendous weather conditions and lack of facilities. At the end of yesterday's ceremony, celebrity MC for the afternoon, Jonny Gould, happily announced that the raffle had raised in excess of £3,300 for 'Under Tree Schools.'

The ceremony concluded with one final acknowledgment going to Mike Kay, a long standing member of BACA and a cherished member of the council. Mr. Kay was presented with a copy of the very first Air Charter Agreement from 1929 in recognition of his years of service and dedication to BACA and the air charter industry. Mr. Kay recently announced that he would be retiring from the council in order to devote more time to his business ventures in France.

Air BP was the main sponsor of this event. Gama Aviation sponsored the wine and DHL, Direct Air Charters, Infratil Airports Europe, London Executive Aviation and Skyline Aviation sponsored the individual Awards.

Chairman Jackson expressed his thanks for this year's sponsors as well those serving on BACA's sub-committee, "Through their help, we were able to secure this beautiful setting for the ceremony and enjoy truly fabulous catering and service." The sub-committee consists solely of Geraldine Malempre of Panavia and Dick Gilbert of Skyline.

BACA representatives are available for interviews and commentary.

Contact:
Sarah Chase
Image Line Communications
E-mail: pr @ imageline.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7689 9009