For the year ending 31 January, revenue was $1.8bn (£1.3bn) with strong growth and record sales across all divisions.
The cargo division experienced unprecedented demand, helped by its presence in China where it has three offices, and by ACS’s ability to source passenger aircraft to use as temporary freighters.
Supply chain disruption has caused manufacturers to look at airfreight but the lack of passenger aircraft means they are resorting to charter flights.
Manufacturers from the automotive, consumer electronics, pharmaceutical and textile industries have been requesting an unprecedented number of charters.
Demand is expected to ease as backlogs clear but no one knows when this will be or how large the fall will be.
The private jet division was up 40% year-on-year, putting it 20% above pre-pandemic levels.
Group charters are now at 93% of pre-pandemic levels despite lower revenue from events and leasing to airlines.
Chris Leach, the Group Chairman says: “At the end of our previous financial year, we predicted that sales would be extremely difficult to maintain at last year’s levels. So, for our team to deliver 45% growth and turn-over $1.8bn, are incredible achievements and the proudest I have felt in the 32 years since I set up Air Charter Service.”
Leach’s only prediction is that 2022 will be unpredictable and the strong growth will slow eventually but when and how this will happen is anybody’s guess.
He says: “Many of the possible shifts which could potentially impact the results of one division could end up benefiting another. So, our approach has been to invest in strengthening all areas of the business and the benefits of those investments will make us a far stronger business going forward as we prepare for all eventualities.”