Olga, why did you choose this particular business?
It all started with the fact that I was invited to an interview by a company engaged in business aviation. Before that, I had a successful experience in luxury car sales, but I decided it was time to move on. I posted my resume and literally got an offer right away. Even though the specifics of the business were unfamiliar to me, I got used to it very quickly. And I got my first flight after 2 weeks of work in the company. I don’t want to praise myself, but it’s quite easy for me to communicate with people: in a short period of time, I have acquired my own customer base and built great relationships. By nature, I am a responsible person – you can say perfectionist – everything should be perfect. My clients are used to relying on me and trusting me. In business, that's the most important thing.
How did you become the owner of your own company?
You know, I did not work for someone else for very long. But the impetus was the first pregnancy, when I suddenly realized the responsibility for the baby and his future. It was this maternal anxiety that was the necessary push forward. I assembled a team, built a website, warned clients that I was going to work on my own. At this point, I had a great relationship with a lot of people who wanted to continue working with me as a manager. The investment was initially small, and everything quickly paid off.
Why did you choose this particular business?
I can’t say that I wanted to create a business in private aviation. It worked out organically. Today it is not only private flights, but also a concierge service, premium travel service: booking hotels and villas, private expeditions to the most exotic corners of the world, like the Amazon, Papua, Kamchatka. This is a whole group of companies Global Group, which organizes the entire trip on a turnkey basis, saving time and money for customers. In addition, we help to sell or purchase the jet. Yachts, helicopters, private islands – all this we select our customers anywhere in the world. Many people mistakenly think that it is more profitable to “assemble” a trip from different suppliers: here I bought tickets, there the hotel booked, third – a cultural program ordered. It's just uncomfortable and not rational. And we, as a rule, many top hotels are cheaper by 10-20% than other operators.
What is the difficulty of your work?
Perhaps most importantly, we don’t have the right to make a mistake.
It is a rather difficult job to coordinate the processes and work of other services, being in thousands of kilometers and in another time zone. I have chronic sleep deprivation and my phone is on 24/7. Physically exhausting.
What were your most unusual requests? Or funny stories?
To be honest, we have no right to disclose information about our customers or their privacy. But I'll tell you one case. Once my client decided to start playing tennis, we offered a two-week intensive with Maria Sharapova, and at the end we ordered a racket inlaid with diamonds, autographed by the legendary tennis player. But the possibilities of our agency today are almost limitless. Of course, we're not having dinner with Banksy. Invitations to the Oscars or the Cannes Film Festival are welcome.
Which destinations are most popular?
Private flights are popular in the following destinations in summer: Nice, Pisa, Ibiza, last year was very popular Greece Mykonos, Santorini. In winter - Geneva, St. Moritz, Maldives and Seychelles. By the way, Sochi is also at its peak. As for hotels and tours: Mexico, Argentina, Chile-in general Latin America has become in great demand. Suzdal is a real exotic! And Bali, of course. This year, the largest number of customers went there.
What about the crisis? Has it had any effect?
Of course, we are all experiencing a decline and a decrease in budgets. If we talk about flights on private jets, this year at the peak season, the decline was 40% compared to 2017. However, in general, it is difficult to say that vip tourism is going through difficult times – rather, this is not the case. Customers are more attentive to costs than ever before. Many have already traveled around the world and know where big spending is justified, and where – absolutely nothing. They are more rational, I think that’s right.
It is considered that aviation is a male sphere: do you feel any inconvenience?
Why not? There are a lot of women in this field, even among pilots. By the way, I can say that female pilots are much more careful and responsible. Alas, there were times when a client found out that “the driver is a woman” and asked additional questions and doubted, but I always try to explain that they are real professionals in their field. There were no cases of rejection. And, of course, I don’t remember being refused work for gender reasons. However, quite often I encounter the fact that clients perceive me primarily as a woman, invite on dates or clarify “whether my services are included in the package.” It's insanely annoying.
What about the competitors?
You know, when I first started this business, there were a lot fewer companies in the market. Now the situation has changed - the number of players has increased at least twice. However, many just as quickly leave, unable to withstand the competition. We communicate with the largest companies and share valuable information. Personally, I think it’s important to maintain relationships and monitor the market.
What do you think is the most important thing for success?
Hard work, perseverance and patience. These are the three pillars on which success rests. It’s important to love your business and never give up – under any circumstances. That's the only way to win.
Source: TRENDYMEN
