"Some owners look for Easter eggs on board with the family"
Carsten Michaelis, what is the often underestimated advantage of a private jet?
Flexibility and autonomy when travelling. Our owners are not tied to fixed departure times or predefined city pairs. Instead, you have the option and full flexibility to fly to a destination of your choice whenever your schedule allows - and with the largest global fleet in private aviation.
Are NetJets aircraft suitable for the journey to the yacht?
Absolutely. Firstly, because we can also fly to remote destinations that are difficult for commercial aircraft to reach. Thanks to our access to more than 5,000 airports in 200 countries and territories. And secondly, because we can react quickly to changes at short notice, for example due to the weather at sea. This is ensured by a minimum notice period, guaranteed aircraft availability and the elimination of positioning costs for empty flights within Europe. Our customers appreciate all of this, which is why European coastal regions are popular destinations in summer and Caribbean harbours in winter.
The most beautiful airports on the route map?
These are certainly Nice and the Balearic Islands as well as the Greek islands.
Is there actually a dress code on board?
No, with us you are a co-owner and not a passenger, so you can dress as you please. Some members use their "retreat in the sky" for business meetings, others for Easter egg hunts with the family.
Do you have a favourite film during the flight?
As our aeroplanes are mainly reserved for the owners, I rarely have the opportunity to fly privately. And when I do, I enjoy the peace and quiet of an office in the sky and continue my working day in the air. The undisturbed atmosphere on board is the perfect environment for this and encourages good conversations with fellow travellers or team members.
The most beautiful airports among the NetJets destinations?
As far as year-round hotspots are concerned, London and Paris are certainly the favourites. When it comes to picturesque backdrops, Nice and the Balearic Islands offer spectacular sea and mountain views. All Mediterranean destinations, from mainland Spain to the Greek islands, are increasingly popular during the summer season and among yachting enthusiasts due to their proximity to Monaco and Palma.
What is the most popular drink on board?
If you are leaving your yacht at the height of summer, a champagne cocktail would certainly be appropriate. If you're taking off in winter after a skiing trip in the Swiss Alps, you might prefer a flavoured coffee. Whatever the case, we like to have our owners' favourite drinks and dishes on board at all times. After all, we know each other.
Carsten Michaelis is Executive Director Sales & Marketing at NetJets Europe. He previously worked for the private jet divisions of the airlines Qatar, Swiss and Lufthansa. NetJets was founded in 1964 in Columbus, Ohio, and has a fleet of over 800 aircraft of various types.
