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.
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.
Mountain Hub Gourmet, a Michelin-starred restaurant, is the new Fine Dining Restaurant of the Hilton Munich Airport. Reopened in September 2021, is set against the majestic backdrop of the Alps, right next to Munich Airport. The restaurant’s 33-year-old chef, Stefan Barnhusen has been head chef at Mountain Hub Gourmet since September 2020. He previously worked in the Michelin one-starred Jellyfish restaurant in Hamburg, and at Seehotel Überfahrt on Lake Tegernsee under the three-star chef Christian Jürgens.
The restaurant itself is spacious and boasts a stylish, modern design with an unusual semi-circular floor plan. It’s everything that you would expect it to be, and more, with an attentive and helpful service team, headed up by maître d’ Johannes J. Gahberger. Service-driven they aim to inspire while staying true to their ethos of generous hospitality.
A sophisticated world-class establishment, of the highest excellence, that celebrates the diversity of its guests by offering a sublime food experience. Intended for those with an appreciation for the exceptional, Mountain Hub Gourmet caters to international visitors and locals alike, whether it’s for a business lunch between flights or dinner and an evening of romance.
Using only the best ingredients and fresh, seasonal produce from the area, together with his refined ability, the food is meticulously and magically transformed by a passion to another level. Not only a symphony of flavours but a feast for the eye, each dish is beautifully and playfully presented with the utmost precision and extravagant artistic flair, perfectly balanced by colour, texture, and attention to detail.
Greek Caldera Yachting Promises a lifetime experience aboard its Luxury Santorini Cruise
Caldera Yachtingwas awarded by Luxury Lifestyle Awards with the Best Luxury Private Cruises in Greece in 2022.
Based in Santorini, Greece, Caldera Yachting promises and delivers the optimal sailing experience. The company is specialized in all-inclusive shared and private cruises, on a wide variety of brand-new vessels. Yachts, luxury catamarans, monohulls, motor yachts, traditional and rib boats, elegantly combine comfort and safety.
Founded in 2009, the business had just two boats and was supported by a team of five. In 2019, just before the pandemic, the company reached 18 yachts and a team of over 100 who have welcomed and served in excess of 50,000 guests – which is a phenomenal achievement.In 2022, Caldera Yachting boasts a fleet of 22 yachts. A milestone in the company’s journey was being accredited with the ISO 9001: 2015.
The company has been participating in the Greek Tourism Awards since 2015 and until 2021 has won silver and gold awards in the categories ‘Sea Tourism’ and ‘Customer Service’. In 2017 Caldera Yachting was honoured with the award ‘Charter Company of the Year’, ranking it among the best in the world, while in 2018 it came back from London with the title ‘Best in Luxury’ from the International Travel & Tourism Awards by WTM.
Sofitel Baru Calablanca Beach Resort – Celebrated for Colombia’s First Luxury Resort
Sofitel Baru Calablanca Beach Resort is Colombia’s first luxury resort and is set on the idyllic white sandy beaches of Isla, Barú. The highly anticipated resort opened its doors on December 1st, 2021.
The new hotel is the third Sofitel in Colombia and the country’s first-ever opulent beach destination. The picturesque property sophisticatedly combines Sofitel’s French heritage with the essence of the Caribbean.
Located just 25 minutes from the city of Cartagena, the resort is nestled amid the natural beauty and cultural affluence of Barú. The hotel features an impressive 187 modern and chic rooms, including a presidential suite and 22 luxurious suites, all equipped with terraces and balconies facing the tranquil and turquoise Caribbean Ocean.
This hidden gem of a resort has been awarded by the experts at the Luxury Lifestyle Awardsfor Best Luxury New Resort in South America 2022, and it’s easy to see why. It features four restaurants, seven bars, and a food truck all under the culinary direction of Patrice Guaus, the world-renowned French chef. These include Calablanca Restaurant and bar, which is a combination of divine Mediterranean and Colombian cuisines, prepared with farm-to-table ingredients and ancestral techniques, Bahía Restaurant & bar overlooking the magic waters of the Caribbean, our unique slow-cooking grill offers mouthwatering dishes that will be perfectly coupled with local cocktails, Humo Restaurant offers dinner-only featuring a robata grill concept inspired by Asian fare.
Guests can enjoy cocktails throughout several social spaces around the resort. La Pergola rooftop terrace is the perfect space to watch Barú’s magical sunsets and our new gastronomic proposal on wheels El Manglito Food truck that is a fun and innovative way to serve guests and visitors who are enjoying the beautiful beaches of Barú.
Lilium, NetJets and FlightSafety International – partner to grow sustainability in private aviation
NetJets Inc., the largest private aviation company in the world, and FlightSafety International, the leader in professional aviation training have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lilium N.V. makers of an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet, for a proposed strategic partnership.
The arrangement would provide NetJets with the right to purchase up to 150 Lilium aircraft, introducing more options to NetJets owners to complement their existing flight patterns. NetJets also anticipates supporting Lilium with a private sales campaign for individuals to purchase Lilium aircraft. In addition, the two companies will explore a business model for the operation of Lilium’s network in Florida as well as other regions in the US and Europe.
The Lilium Jet’s flexible cabin architecture is expected to enable a range of configurations, including configurations with four to six passenger layouts that address both premium and shuttle mission profiles.
NetJets operates the world’s largest fleet of private jets, and their strong owner base will provide Lilium with scale and support for its ecosystem in the US, where plans for a Florida transport hub continue to progress.
This planned collaboration with NetJets is also expected to boost Lilium’s commercial ambitions in Florida and other US markets and would create supplemental direct sales opportunities. The Lilium Jet, which offers high performance with zero operating emissions, will allow NetJets to advance its sustainability efforts by offering its customer base regional transportation alternatives.
As part of the arrangement, Lilium would also partner with FlightSafety International Inc. to provide products and services, such as courseware, industry leading immersive and mixed reality training devices and crew training to support Lilium Jet operations. FlightSafety’s proprietary training software will deliver flexible and agile learning solutions needed to support the advance air mobility market.
Daniel Wiegand, Co-Founder and CEO of Lilium said: “This partnership is a major step in our mission to build radically better ways of moving and to electrify regional air travel. We believe that the private and business professional segments will be highly attractive markets in the future and, likewise, early adopters of the eVTOL revolution. We couldn’t be happier to collaborate with NetJets and FlightSafety to electrify this market and hope to forge a long-term strategic partnership to bring high speed regional electric air mobility to the world.”
“Our focus on technology and adaptive learning will help prepare aviation professionals with the highest levels of expertise to support operation of the Lilium Jet,” said Brad Thress, President and CEO of FlightSafety International.
Adam Johnson, CEO of NetJets said: “We’re delighted to partner with Lilium’s experienced team to provide sustainable flight services to our customers. Lilium’s aircraft will expand our fleet options and provide our customers with a new and flexible means of private air travel.”
The proposed arrangement with NetJets is subject to the parties finalizing commercial terms and entering into definitive agreements with respect thereto and satisfaction of certain conditions.
About Lilium
Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM) is creating a sustainable and accessible mode of high-speed, regional transportation for people and goods. Using the Lilium Jet, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet, offering leading capacity, low noise and high performance with zero operating emissions, Lilium is accelerating the decarbonization of air travel. Working with aerospace, technology and infrastructure leaders, and with planned launch networks announced in Germany, the United States and Brazil. Lilium’s 700+ strong team includes approximately 400 aerospace engineers and a leadership team responsible for delivering some of the most successful aircraft in aviation history. Founded in 2015, Lilium’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Munich, Germany, with teams based across Europe and the U.S. To learn more, visit www.lilium.com.
About NetJets Inc.
Originally incorporated in 1964 as Executive Jet Airways, NetJets Inc. has been setting—and exceeding—industry standards for more than 55 years. NetJets Inc. encompasses NetJets, Executive Jet Management, QS Partners, and QS Security and offers a variety of travel solutions customized to fit each Owner’s needs. This includes fractional aircraft ownership, lease and jet card options, aircraft management, private jet chartering, brokerage and acquisition services, and specialized security services. This is why so many of the world’s most discerning travelers choose NetJets Inc. generation after generation. It is also because NetJets has the largest, most diverse private jet fleet in the world, which grants anytime access to even the most remote destinations across the globe. To learn more about the leader in private aviation, visit netjets.com today.
About FlightSafety International FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom. For more details, please visit flightsafety.com.
Airbus and CFM International signed an agreement to pioneer hydrogen combustion technology in aviation
The programme’s objective is to ground and flight test a direct combustion engine fueled by hydrogen, in preparation for entry-into-service of a zero-emission aircraft by 2035.
The demonstration will use a A380 flying testbed equipped with liquid hydrogen tanks prepared at Airbus facilities in France and Germany.
Airbus will also define the hydrogen propulsion system requirements, oversee flight testing, and provide the A380 platform to test the hydrogen combustion engine in cruise phase. CFM International (CFM) will modify the combustor, fuel system, and control system of a GE Passport turbofan to run on hydrogen.
