Air Charter (1970) – Board Game Guys

Air Charter

Air Charter is a board game previously published by Waddingtons, first released in 1970. The game is named after the concept of air charter, which refers to the commercial use of aircraft on non-established flight routes. The game is set in Australasia and Southeast Asia, and involves a number of small companies competing for air freight business between lesser-known airfields.

Why is Air Charter Popular?

Air Charter is a popular game because it offers players a simple and engaging experience, representing competing air-freight companies shuttling cargoes between airfields in northern Australia and Southeast Asia. The game has been around since the 1970s and has maintained its popularity over the years.

Game Components of Air Charter

Playing Board: A map of Australasia and Southeast Asia with airfields connected by air lanes.

Aircraft: Four small plastic aircraft, each differentiated by color, with a peg for carrying freight tokens.

Fuel Gauges: Marked off in fuel units, where each unit represents 70 gallons of aviation fuel.

Freight Cards: Representing different types of cargo.

Incident Cards: Introducing challenges and events during gameplay.

Paper Money: For financial transactions.

Freight Tokens: Plastic pyramid shapes representing special foodstuffs, basic foodstuffs, and machinery.

Airfields: Each with runways, control areas, and warehouses.

How To Setup Air Charter

To set up the game, players first place the playing board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses an aircraft and places it at their designated home airfield (Manila, Makassar, Derby, or the Palau Islands). The fuel gauges, freight cards, incident cards, and paper money are distributed accordingly. The freight tokens are stored in the warehouses on the board. Setup time typically takes between 5-15 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Dice Rolling: Used to determine movement and other outcomes.
– Resource Management: Players manage fuel and freight capacities.
– Trading Strategy: Players compete for air freight business.

Game Objective:
– The objective is to corner the air freight market in Australasia and Southeast Asia by efficiently transporting cargo between lesser-known airfields while managing resources and navigating incidents.

Player Experience

Air Charter offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Players must balance fuel consumption with cargo capacity, making tactical decisions to outcompete their opponents. The game includes a shorter version designed for younger players or as an introduction to the basic flying rules, and a more complex full game that involves deeper trading strategies. This makes it accessible to a wide range of players, from those looking for a simpler game to those who enjoy complex economic simulations.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Requires calculation and resource management.

Variety in Gameplay: Two game modes cater to different player preferences.

Detailed Components: The game comes with a comprehensive set of components, including a detailed board and various tokens.

Educational Value: Teaches players about resource allocation and economic competition.

Cons

Long Playing Time: Games can last approximately 1.5 to 3 hours.

Complex Rules: The full game can be complex and may intimidate new players.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Air Charter

Air Charter is ideal for players who enjoy economic and resource management games. It is particularly suited for those interested in aviation and logistics, as it simulates the challenges and strategies involved in air cargo trading. The game’s dual modes make it a great introduction for younger players or a challenging experience for seasoned gamers. Overall, it is a well-crafted game that offers a unique blend of strategy and realism.

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