The private aviation industry is known for exclusivity, luxury and exceptional service. Behind the scenes, however, the businesses responsible for delivering this experience are often faced with time-consuming administrative tasks, complex operations and unnecessary costs.
Through the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the cost management platform MySky, is seeking to change this. MySky’s technology enables operators to streamline processes and work smarter, not harder – empowering them with the time and resources to provide an exceptional service.
We caught up with MySky’s co-founder and CSO, Christopher Marich, to learn about their key areas of focus for supporting the business aviation industry.
Why is embracing AI important to business aviation?
AI can be a daunting prospect for those who aren’t used to it, however, the benefits it can bring to a business can’t be ignored. Through AI, businesses can be more efficient and create a better service for their customers – this is at the heart of what we offer at MySky.
It’s incredibly important for all those in the business aviation world to have a complete understanding of the costs associated with every flight to enable confident decision-making. By having genuine insight into their operations, businesses can benefit from more efficient resource allocation and strategic financial planning, which ultimately drives profitability.
Private Jets Europe is a leading provider of private jet charter services, offering access to exclusive aircraft and personalized travel solutions. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for clients seeking luxury and convenience in air travel. In this interview, we speak with Cristian Octavian Frăsin, CEO and Founder of Private Jets Europe, about his journey in the industry, and the company’s commitment to providing exceptional service to its clients.
Luxury Lifestyle Awards: What inspired you to start Private Jets Europe, and how has the company evolved since then?
Cristian Octavian Frăsin: When we started our business in 2008, we noticed a significant gap in the market for these types of services. Recognizing it as a promising business opportunity, we embarked on a journey to set new standards and surpass expectations in the realm of luxury and corporate private jet charter services. We take great pride in providing a diverse range of professional services, with the utmost emphasis on the health, safety, and comfort of our esteemed clients.
LLA: How do you ensure the safety and security of your clients when they fly with Private Jets Europe?
CF: As I always like to say, safety is our number one priority. We exclusively work with accredited operators, who are the best in the business, and we have access to the latest aircraft types.Especially during the Covid period and in its aftermath, we have implemented strict health and safety guidelines. Chartered flight providers are even more stringent than commercial flights, partly due to the lower number of passengers, which makes it easier to keep track of everyone. Furthermore, private passengers rightfully expect top-quality service, as they have paid for a safe and secure travel experience. It’s important to note that those travelling on commercial flights typically come into contact with around 700 objects and people, on average. In contrast, private flying exposes you to only about 30 contact points.
Who is Christi Tannahill, and what is the most important aspect of your role?
I have dedicated the majority of my career to customer service and support. Prior to my current role at Textron Aviation, I held the position of senior Vice-President of turboprop aircraft and interior design. In this role, I oversaw the development of our popular turboprop platforms and led the interior design team. I assumed the position of senior Vice-President of interior design and engineering in 2016. Currently, as senior Vice-President of Customer Experience at Textron Aviation, I am responsible for the interior design and engineering functions across the entire product lineup of the company.
I am married, with 3 children, and a very proud mother. It’s wonderful to be a proud mother, especially when your children have achieved significant milestones in their education. Having two graduates from college, one from Law school, and one currently in junior high school is a great accomplishment.
Each of my children’s educational journeys is unique and represents their individual efforts and paths to success. As a parent, I have played an essential role in supporting and guiding them along the way. I continue to encourage and nurture my children as they progress through their education.
One of the things I love about my job is that I always say I have the best job in the company. I have the opportunity to work closely with customers throughout the entire process, from market research to delivering the airplane. My responsibilities include marketing events like EBACE and overseeing the organization of these events.
I am also involved in designing both the interior and exterior of our products. It’s a rewarding experience to meet with customers even before they become our customers and then deliver the airplane to them when they take delivery. I am fortunate to have an amazing team that consistently performs exceptionally well.
However, the best part of my job is the ability to build relationships with customers, starting from the interior design phase and listening to their needs all the way through to delivering the final product.
How do you balance the need for aesthetics and functionality in the interior design of Textron Aviation’s aircraft, while maintaining a focus on customer experience?
That’s a great question.
The customers’ visionary board is extremely valuable because it allows us to address their needs effectively. When our customers become part of the team, they have the opportunity to share their preferences without any limitations. They communicate everything they desire to have in the airplane.
For example, I often discuss the idea of having a couch in the cabin as a differentiating factor. However, we also maintain transparency by informing them about the potential cost and additional weight associated with their requests.
This open dialogue is essential for making informed decisions. We utilize the information provided by the customers to understand their priorities. They may quickly realize that certain costs or added weight are not favorable to them, but they acknowledge the importance of certain aspects. Even when dealing with a diverse customer base and customer advisory board, we strive to determine what is best for the airplane in terms of performance, design, and functionality. The feedback provided by our customers ensures that we align our efforts with their desires accurately.
Guidetothe10 Best Romantic Getaways around the world, by Luxury Lifestyle Awards
Luxury Lifestyle Awards knows how to select the best luxury brands in different industries around the world. In honour of the month of love, we are thrilled to bring you our Guidetothe10 Best Romantic Getaways around the world! Celebrating love on a whole new level we have selected the World’s finest for a romantic experience of a lifetime.
Many different places are suitable for the year-round celebration of the month of love, and Constance Lemuria is one of them. Here you and your partner can experience an everyday celebration of love and romantic perfection. Start the day by indulging in fine food. Take time to unwind in a coastal paradise nestled among the empty white sandy beaches, lush flora, and fauna. Treat yourself and your partner to a customized spa treatment to revive your senses. Constance Lemuria also offers a Kids Club, run by fully trained coordinators that will lead your children to wonderful island exploration trips, culinary activities, scavenger hunts, and more, to give couples with little ones, a much-needed break for some one one-on-one time.
The picturesque Hanging Gardens of Bali always provide you with an ambiance of relaxation and calmness. This is one of the best and most memorable getaways with a loved one. The luxurious Bali villa resort is located in the heart of the Bali jungle, North of Ubud, Payangan. The stunning views of the Ayung River and Dalem Segara temple are surrounded by lush rainforests and picturesque rice terraces creating a special location. This destination is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, holding the title of the “World’s First Seven Stars Boutique Hotel” and is one of the best Bali honeymoon resorts.
Audi is presenting its Formula 1 project in China for the first time from April 18 to 27: The F1 show car with the striking Audi Launch Livery is a central element of the brand’s presence at Auto Shanghai.
Audi CEO Markus Duesmann has provided insight into the current progress of the project during the press conference.
Under the motto “F1 Power made in Germany” the company is preparing to enter the top class of motorsport.
From 2026, Audi will compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with its own factory team and a power unit developed in Germany. “Motorsport is an integral part of our DNA,” said Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, at Auto Shanghai.
“We are convinced that our Formula 1 commitment will strengthen Audi’s sporting focus. The racing series is continuously increasing its global reach, especially among young target groups and in our most important sales market: China.”
The Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit could not take place for a fourth consecutive time due to the pandemic, and this makes him even happier to give Chinese Formula 1 fans a preview of Audi’s future involvement in the top class of motorsport.
“The Audi Formula 1 project has really taken off in recent months,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG.
“In the ongoing concept phase of the power unit, the foundation of our drivetrain for 2026 is being laid today. We attach great importance to detail work, for example on materials or manufacturing technologies, and we also focus on topics such as the energy management of the hybrid drivetrain. After all, efficiency is a key success factor for Formula 1 and the mobility of the future, these approaches will advance both worlds,”says Hoffmann.
Valuable insights in the development, for the test bench setup and validation of the measuring instruments are provided by a single-cylinder engine that has been tested since the end of 2022. The first full hybrid drivetrain unit, consisting of the combustion engine, electric motor, battery and electronic control unit, is scheduled to run on the test bench before the end of this year and will form the basis for the future vehicle concept. On top of that, the dynamic development simulator in Neuburg will be brought up to Formula 1 standards and will further advance the development of the Audi power unit.
New partnership agreement sees SITA join Volocopter’s Series E funding round
Bruchsal, Germany/Amsterdam, Netherlands, 14 March 2023 – Volocopter, the pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM), and SITA, the world’s leading IT provider to the air transport industry, have entered a partnership, with SITA selected as Volocopter’s preferred digital and IT systems partner for vertiports.
Under the agreement, SITA has become the latest investor to join Volocopter’s Series E funding round, cementing the strategic vision espoused by this partnership.
UAM will offer a new form of sustainable aviation, replete with multiple mobility options to cities worldwide. The company’s launch product, the VoloCity electric air taxi, will operate routes in congested megacities to offer future passengers stable, quiet, and safe flights. Flights can be hailed via designated boarding points (or “vertiports”). The partnership therefore has the potential to shape aviation industry standards.
SITA will deploy its expertise in air transport for the emerging UAM industry, developing new operating standards and a digital-first passenger experience. SITA’s portfolio includes a wide range of IT solutions, including airport management and operations, passenger operations, flight and aircraft operations, baggage processing, and border management.
Gulfstream Recognized for Sustainability Leadership by NBAA
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Awards Gulfstream Inaugural Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation
This program was launched in 2022 by NBAA to recognize “business aviation entities meeting exceptional environmental sustainability standards.”
Gulfstream’s long-term culture of innovation drives sustainable products and practices through cutting-edge aircraft technology, responsible operations, and investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Last month, Gulfstream was the industry’s first business aircraft original equipment manufacturer to fly on 100% SAF. In addition, Gulfstream facilities include more than 2.2 million square feet of green buildings both in the U.S. and the U.K. Thanks to Gulfstream’s increased focus on sustainable operations, the company has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 18% since 2014 while expanding facilities by 30%.
“WE APPRECIATE THE PARTNERSHIP WITH NBAA TO RECOGNIZE OUR SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS. THESE ACCREDITATIONS ENCOMPASS OUR HOLISTIC COMMITMENT TO LEADING OUR INDUSTRY TOWARD ITS GOALS FOR CARBON NEUTRALITY, AND WE ARE PROUD TO BE THE FIRST ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER TO BE IDENTIFIED FOR THESE EFFORTS ACROSS ALL FOUR CATEGORIES — FLIGHT, GROUND SUPPORT, OPERATIONS, AND INFRASTRUCTURE.” – MARK BURNS, PRESIDENT, GULFSTREAM.
Inspired by the belief that aviation could fuel business growth, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. invented the first purpose-built business aircraft, the Gulfstream I, which first flew in 1958.
Today, more than 3,000 aircraft are in service around the world. Together with parent company General Dynamics, Gulfstream consistently invests in the future, dedicating resources to researching and developing innovative new aircraft, technologies, and services. With a fleet that includes the super-midsize Gulfstream G280, the high-performing Gulfstream G650 and Gulfstream G650ER, and a next-generation family of aircraft including the all-new Gulfstream G400, the award-winning Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600, the flagship Gulfstream G700 and the ultralong-range Gulfstream G800, Gulfstream offers an aircraft for every mission.
Best of the Best in Hospitality Industry in the TOP 100 Hotels & Resorts
Luxury Lifestyle Awards Reveals the Best of the Best in Hospitality Industry in the TOP 100 Hotels & Resorts
TOP 100 Hotels & Resorts
In all the diversity of hotels and destinations, quality and exclusivity have become cornerstones. Quality recreation is something that successful people are not willing to compromise on.
The strict criteria that Luxury Lifestyle Awards experts apply during market research and evaluation of nominees meet the highest standards and expectations of travellers. The LLA team has prepared a list of the top 100 establishments that will bring the most positive emotions to sophisticated vacationers.
The pandemic events of recent years have made humanity appreciate in a special way the opportunity to travel and discover the world in all its diversity and beauty.
In the TOP 100 Hotels & Resorts, you will find establishments that have convincingly demonstrated their commitment to impeccable service and attention to guest needs.
