Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I started my career in the aviation industry over 20 years ago. Originally I worked on the accountancy side, but my passion for flying quickly led me to take on roles in both operations and as a broker. This experience has given me an insight into both sides of the private jet industry, which has been invaluable for finding and working through solutions quickly and effectively. I’m a details person and I love the thrill of what the private charter jet industry offers.
Why have you launched Volanteus?
The timing was right for me. For two decades, I’ve been involved in all areas of the industry – from the grassroots of aviation to part-owning a successful aviation business. Launching Volanteus was the realization of a dream come true, I’d achieved all I could at the other businesses, and knowing that I can do things better was the inspiration for starting this new venture. Running the company allows me to pool my expertise and resources into a business that can redefine flying for its customers. I’m so excited about the company, how it will develop and what the future holds.
What makes Volanteus different from other private charter jet companies?
First and foremost, it is consistently delivering impeccable service to all our clients on every single occasion. I appreciate it is easy to throw words around such as ‘bespoke’ and ‘tailored’, however the team at Volanteus are truly unrivalled in their ability to offer more than just a solution from getting from one destination to another in luxury and style.
We go beyond the flying experience by really getting to know our customers and covering every aspect of lifestyle management on their behalf. We take time to ensure we comprehensively understand precisely what it is they require, and then we always make sure we deliver it.
Can you give us an example of ways you have personally gone above and beyond for a client in the past.
There have been so many throughout my career. Everything from moving heads of state at short notice and dealing with people in cabinet offices to organizing urgent permits, through to specifically designing menus for pet dogs traveling with their family or, on one occasion, suggesting to a client taking a helicopter to his home in Scotland that we follow the river and find his daughters who were fly-fishing, so he could give them a wave.
There is no secret, but it’s just considering ways and methods to make things unique, to make the client get on board and think, “Yes, that’s service, they’ve really understood what makes me happy.”
Most people who use private jets have seen it all before – the flowers, the magazines tailored to their interests and the catering from their favorite restaurants. All this should be the standard that one expects. At Volanteus, it’s the instinctive service we provide that makes all the difference.
What are your hopes for Volanteus in the future?
My aim is for Volanteus to be the first choice in luxury travel for those who really understand service. We can take care of journeys on a service level that I believe other charter companies cannot meet, so we really do offer a point of difference for our clients. Impeccable service is what my reputation is built on, and this is the ethos that runs through every cell of my company.
More info at www.volanteus.com
October 4, 2016
