Olga Akatyeva knows a lot about airplanes. And no, she's not an airblogger, she can just rent you a plane.
What did you dream of doing as a child? And where did the dreams lead?
I dreamed of becoming an archaeologist, loved to visit museums, read historical books. I was a regular participant, and often the winner of historical Olympics. I thought that I would grow up and go on expeditions to the excavations, fantasized how to discover a lost city. But in 8th grade, my mother suddenly sent me to banking college, turning my fate around. Then there was the GUU, where I received a diploma of financial manager, work in a bank, but it all turned out to be completely not mine. Of course, I am grateful for the acquired skills and experience, but perhaps travel business and aviation are closer to my childhood dream: I love to develop travel routes, thinking through all the details.
How did you get into the air force?
My first job was at the bank, as my parents wanted. But I quickly realized that I didn’t want to go on and went to study in Malta at a language school. I said that without English, it is impossible to build a career. Maybe I just wanted to be in a different environment.
Back in Moscow, I got a job: sales of luxury cars. And even though I got along right away, thanks to my openness and sociability, frankly, it did not bring much money. And I'm a young girl, I wanted to be on top and have all the best at once. I started sending a resume, I was invited to a company that deals with business aviation. And within two weeks, I got a client and made my first flight.
Olga Akatyeva
How did you become the owner of your own company?
You know, I'm pretty much the only girl in this market. Among the men. Of course, I mean in this position. Yes, there are dispatchers, flight attendants and even pilots. But starting your own company is not so easy. And the strangest and funny thing is that I was helped by fear and maternal instinct. I founded my company, Global Group Business Aviation & Concierge, while pregnant with my first child. Suddenly I was afraid: what can I give him? When you come into contact with a luxurious life, of course, you want to do the same. But I was raised to do everything myself. And now I realize that I will soon have a child, in my hands his future. It was this fear that drove me one step further into my own business. I was more motivated than ever, plus experience, established contacts with partners and airlines.
What's the hardest thing about your job?
I have a huge responsibility and all the risks. In addition to communicating with clients, I have full control over flights. From the selection of the aircraft to obtaining all the necessary permits, and there are an infinite number of them. Often you have to live in different time zones when you control the flight, for example, from Moscow to Singapore. On days of heavy workload, you sleep in short bursts, texting with the team. I only exhale when the plane lands.
Who are your clients?
Those who can afford private flights, of course. The main rule of our work is confidentiality. We never disclose names or activities. The average cost of the flight is 15 thousand euros. Of course, our clients are wealthy people who have such a need: whether it is a business trip or a vacation. You can arrange a flight very quickly, while the customer can arrive even 15 minutes before departure or, for example, be late. And the plane will be waiting for him. Our company is not only about private flights and the sale of planes. We are actively working as a premium travel service. Round-the-clock concierge: from hotel reservations to expeditions to the Amazon. We organize cultural programs. At least an invitation to the Oscars, if you want. Once, our client ordered two weeks. training course with Maria Sharapova, at the end of which he received a racket inlaid with diamonds, with the autograph of the tennis player.
What were the most crazy requests from customers?
Fortunately, there were no such cases. Everything's pre-arranged. You want to smoke? Please! We select the aircraft in which this option is allowed. Also discussed menu on board, we provide data on the composition of the team, inform about weather conditions. There were times when a customer asked to replace the pilot. Of course, he has every right to do so. For example, some are still wary of female pilots. I try to argue and recommend relying on professionalism and facts, trying to defend. By the way, my experience with them is extremely positive. Women are more stress-resistant and responsible. Many customers have been flying with us for years and I know their habits and preferences. No matter how difficult the flight is, I always pay attention to the little things that will make the flight more comfortable: how to put a bouquet of flowers, put your favorite moisturizer or mask.
Is it safer to fly private jets?
Flying is safe in principle. But really business aircraft are checked more often, and the statistics are in their favor. In addition, we do not have to save money at any cost. There have been cases in the history of aviation when pilots deliberately took risks to avoid spending excess fuel and flying around dangerous areas. We're different. However, the crew work the same way, usually on different flights. As for customers, it does not have absolute privileges. The customer undergoes a thorough screening, as all passengers do, just in another terminal. The rules and the visa regime apply equally to everyone.
What can be done to make it easier to transfer the flight?
You know, I don't have life hacks or recommendations. It's individual. Most often I am amused by articles on this topic, they say that it is better to fly at 5 am, turbulence is less. Okay, but you're in a different time zone. And? The most important thing is to get some sleep. Then the body is less susceptible to stress. Recently, I completely refused to eat during the flight, I feel better. But again, someone drinks, for example, reducing anxiety and just for fun. And it works for him. But you always have to remember the measure.
Olga Akatyeva
What do you think is most important in achieving success?
When I give a business card, quite often they look at me with a cunning squint, like, well, well. I'm only 30 years old, what kind of business? What private jets? I try not to react, just a stereotype. Or, as it is now fashionable to say, sexism. There is a belief in society that a woman cannot be successful on her own. No patron. That behind every business woman is a wealthy and powerful man who paves the way for her. I just smile because there is nothing behind me but my own ingenuity and workaholism. Motivation, love for your work is important: you will never reach the heights in something that is not yours.
How to combine motherhood and business?
You know, I don't think there's a working mother who doesn't feel guilty about her baby. I have two of them, and to be honest, there are times when I feel like I’m not giving them anything. But I believe that a child needs a happy mother first and foremost. And the time that we spend together, I use as efficiently as possible, without being distracted by work.
Source: sncmedia.ru
