Belgium-based business flights service provider ASL Group has collaborated with its Dutch subsidiary JetNetherlands to launch the new Air Charters Europe (ACE) airline.

Catering to the Belgian and Dutch markets, ACE aims to support customers who want to charter a private aircraft for group travel.

ACE intends to provide charter aircraft for groups comprising approximately 20 passengers travelling to a destination of their choice without requiring third-party services.

The airline will use a 30-seat Embraer ERJ 135 aircraft for its first operation. The customised aircraft has already been delivered to Antwerp Airport in Belgium.

“With ACE, ASL Group aims to provide services for the growing aviation sector, which is estimated to see a twofold increase in air traffic by 2034.”

ASL Group and Air Charters Europe CEO Philippe Bodson said: “Until recently, these smaller groups were reliant on third parties for chartering such an aircraft.

“This was often not interesting for many companies because the aircraft had to be flown in from abroad.

“With Air Charters Europe we wish to change this and allow our numerous customers from the Benelux to travel in luxury and comfort in groups.”

With ACE, ASL Group aims to provide services for the growing aviation sector, which is estimated to see a twofold increase in air traffic by 2034. The number of jobs in the sector is also expected to grow to 99 million from 63 million across the world.

Bodson further added that negotiations are currently underway with regard to a second larger aircraft of the same type that will accommodate 42 people, the ERJ 145.

Currently, ASL Group and JetNetherlands operate from nine regional and national airports in Belgium and The Netherlands.