Celebrating 40 Years Of The Air Charter Guide: Honoring Our Legacy And Looking To The Future

As we welcome the New Year, we are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 40th anniversary of The Air Charter Guide.

For four decades, we have proudly served as the definitive directory for air charter operators, brokers, and aircraft, connecting the industry and shaping its growth.

Our journey began in 1986 with a vision from founder Fred Gevalt (pictured), who recognized the need for a comprehensive guide to support the burgeoning air charter industry. Inspired by his own experience flying colleagues to job sites during an IBM project, Fred saw the potential of air charter to revolutionize travel. 

What started as a U.S.-focused print directory quickly grew into an international resource, becoming a cornerstone for the industry.

Fred, along with Jack Lapidas, Tammy Arico, and Peter A. Boeing, originally envisioned The Air Charter Guide as a computer network venture—an ambitious idea ahead of its time. Together, they not only created a guide but also helped define the industry itself. As Fred recalls, “What we really did, including renaming ‘air taxi’ to ‘air charter,’ was to introduce the industry to itself.”

By the late 1980s, The Air Charter Guide had expanded globally, providing operators and brokers with the geographic reach they needed to grow their businesses. It became a trusted reference and a powerful marketing tool, helping to establish air charter as a vital part of the aviation landscape.

In addition to its role as a directory, The Air Charter Guide has been a tireless advocate for the industry. In 1998, Fred leveraged his position as publisher to challenge the Federal Aviation Administration, leading to the creation of the “Fractional Ownership and Regulatory Committee” and new regulations for fractional jet businesses.

Always ahead of the curve, The Guide embraced the digital age early, launching its online presence in 1994. In 2000, it merged with CharterX, a platform that introduced innovative quoting and reservation tools for the industry. 

Over the years, The Air Charter Guide has evolved through various ownerships, becoming part of Informa in 2016, where it continues to thrive as part of the Aviation Week Network.

Fred’s passion for aviation extends beyond The Guide. He produced the documentary Please Remove Your Shoes, which offered a candid look at airport security, and he is set to release his memoir, A Swim in the Firmament, later this year—a captivating account of his single-engine flight across the Atlantic.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we look forward to sharing more exciting announcements and surprises throughout the year. From all of us at The Air Charter Guide and the Aviation Week Network, thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to 40 years of innovation, advocacy, and connection—and to the future of air charter!

Stay tuned for updates on Fred’s memoir and our special anniversary celebrations at key industry events – from Schedulers and Dispatchers to NBAA-BACE. Let’s make this year one to remember!