Statement from BACA – The Air Charter Association

Richard Mumford

BACA – The Air Charter Association is saddened to learn of the discovery of the wreckage of Piper Malibu N264DB, on the seabed of the English Channel.  Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson.

The Association represents the interests of nearly 250 companies working within the Air Charter Industry, from professional brokers, airlines and charter aircraft operators, through to supporting organisations and ground service providers.  BACA’s main aim is to promote the highest ethical standards in our industry.  Our members arrange charter flights for customers on commercially maintained aircraft operated under an Air Operator Certificate across the world.  It is vital that all flying customers are flown subject to these protections for their own safety and to preserve the integrity of the market.

Whilst there is inevitably a great deal of speculation around the background to the events of Monday, 21st January 2019, we are, as an Association, awaiting further clarification from the investigating authorities, most importantly the United Kingdom’s Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB).

BACA has been in contact with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Air Safety Agency and are in open communication with the AAIB with regards to our assistance with their work and investigation.