UK-based aircraft charter broker Air Charter Service has completed the first phase of a major upgrade programme at its London headquarters, as part of an £18 million (€20.7 million) investment in the company's 47,000 sqft five-storey facility.

According to Aviation Business News, the building houses more than 200 staff across the company's three UK sales divisions and centralised functions including finance, IT, flight operations, marketing and HR. It also serves as ACS's global training hub, hosting charter brokers and managers from across its international network.

Initial works focused on staff facilities and shared spaces. Upgrades include a refurbished reception area, a new staff restaurant with capacity for over 120 people, expanded breakout and games areas, and improvements to the on-site gym, changing rooms and wellness facilities. The company has also installed an in-house film studio, upgraded its digital and IT workspace and added a secure cycle park.

Chairman Chris Leach said the investment was aimed at creating an industry-leading workplace and supporting both employee wellbeing and the company's training requirements. The catering team now provides complimentary breakfast and lunch, with facilities designed to encourage collaboration across the building.

With phase one complete, ACS is planning further enhancements including upgrades to meeting rooms and the training centre, as well as additional electric vehicle charging points to support its electric car scheme.

ACS said it would continue to invest in its facilities and staff as part of its long-term growth strategy. The company operates across a global network of offices, providing private jet, group charter, cargo and expedition charter services to corporate and leisure clients worldwide.

The investment reflects a broader trend among aviation services businesses of upgrading headquarters facilities to attract and retain specialist talent in a competitive market. Charter broking requires deep market knowledge and strong client relationships, making the quality of the working environment and training infrastructure an increasingly important factor in recruitment and staff retention strategies across the sector.

Headquarters investment of this scale also signals confidence in long-term growth prospects, with ACS expanding its physical training capacity at a time when its international broker network continues to grow across new and established markets.

Read the full upgrade details and ACS's investment plans for phase two in the full article.