By Frank Davidson, SVP Global Sales and Business Aviation Specialist
A few days ago, I traveled to London to attend the Air Charter Association Awards, an event that brought together nearly 300 professionals from across the business aviation industry. This year’s ceremony was particularly special for Drivania, as we were among the nominees for Business Service Supplier of the Year.
It was a welcome opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet other professionals from the sector, and celebrate the achievements of companies and individuals who contribute to business aviation. Having worked in this industry for many years, I particularly enjoy occasions that bring together people I have come to know at different stages of my career.
An evening with the industry
I would first like to congratulate the Air Charter Association on an excellent event. The venue was well chosen, the organization exceeded my expectations, and the hospitality was outstanding. Everything contributed to a very enjoyable evening.
I particularly appreciated how the ceremony was structured. The awards presentations and speeches were concise, the timing was outstanding, and there was plenty of time to speak with people from across the industry.
These conversations were one of the highlights of the evening for me. In our daily work, we are usually focused on specific requests, ongoing services, and the needs of our respective clients. Meeting in person provides an opportunity to catch up more personally and hear what colleagues and partners have been working on.
Congratulations to Emily Williams
One of the announcements I was particularly pleased to hear was the appointment of Emily Williams to the Board of the Air Charter Association.
Emily is the founder of IW Aviation, and I had the pleasure of working with her earlier in my career at NetJets, where she was my manager. We have known each other for many years, so it was especially nice to see her receive this recognition from the industry.
I know Emily both personally and professionally, and I am delighted to see her take on this new responsibility. I wish her every success and am confident she will make a valuable contribution to the association and the wider business aviation industry.
What the nomination means to Drivania
Although we did not take home the award this year, being shortlisted for Business Service Supplier of the Year was an honor. My congratulations go to Avinode, the winner of the category.
For Drivania, the nomination carries particular significance because it comes from an industry we have worked with for many years. We are proud to contribute to the services that aircraft operators, charter brokers, and other business aviation professionals provide to their clients.
Much of our work takes place in close coordination with these professionals, often as part of travel arrangements involving different providers. Over time, those working relationships have become an important part of how we understand the expectations of the business aviation sector and respond to the needs of its clients.
To receive this recognition from the industry is therefore particularly encouraging. I would like to thank our partners for their continued trust and support, as well as everyone at Drivania whose daily work has helped us build and maintain these relationships.
I hope we will have the opportunity to return to the Air Charter Association Awards next year. Until then, we will keep working to improve our services and respond to the evolving needs of the professionals and clients who place their trust in us.
Photography by Susanne Hakuba