think again

ADVERTISING FEATURE
Issue four: 2014
Gulfstreams, Globals and Falcons
with 750 aircraft we have the right fleet for you
Pop up to The Ryder Cup
daily travel by private jet
Island Hopping
join us for a photo call in St Barths
If you own or charter private jets it’s time to
THINK AGAIN
The views and comments in this publication are those of Victor and are not
backed or in any way endorsed by The Financial Times Limited.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
2
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E
INT ERVI EW
One global marketplace offering complete transparency, direct bookings with
over 100 certified aircraft operators, exceptional customer service, fixed booking
fees and an ever-expanding choice of over 750 aircraft
No upfront fees or commitment. Join now and fly smarter
www.flyvictor.com
London: +44 (0)207 384 8550
Frankfurt: +49 (0)69 6655 4125
Moscow: +7 (0)499 255 1793
ADVERTISING FEATURE
04
VICTOR AT A GLANCE
Almost three years on, Victor has stormed the world
of private aviation
06
PURE MAGIC
The magic of private jet travel – the reality is closer
than you think
09
ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS
Victor’s Senior Vice President, Steffen Fries, leads a round
table discussion on private aviation
12
ISLAND HOPPING
Join Victor’s latest luxury photo call in St Barths
16
FURS CLASS
Travelling in style with your four-legged friends – meet
Roo, one of Victor’s ‘pets on jets’
18
A HEALTHY ADDICTION
The ultimate in luxury travel – climb aboard a superyacht
20
23
BOARDROOM TO THE RACETRACK
When passion proves to be a driving force – Tim Richards
embarks on a racy new challenge
26
DOWN TO A FINE ART
The very modern world of Old Masters and fine art
with CEO Jonathan Green
WITH THANKS TO:
Focus Media Solutions (FMS) for your creative design,
planning and project management
Melissa Morris at Featurewords, for your support and
commitment beyond the call of duty
Steve Varsano and his wonderful staff at The Jet Business for
your kind hospitality
Alev Karagulle, Katinka Nicou and Roo, Jonathan Green,
Alasdair Whyte, Tim Richards, Mark Blundell, Rene D Egle
and the Marketing Staff at Gleneagles for your generous time
and support
Additional Photography: Courtesy of Bombardier.
Courtesy of Comlux The Aviation Group
Our photographers Andrew Timms, George Chinn, Scott Heavey,
Patrick Hecq, Andre Camara, Nando Esteva, Laurent Benoit and
Mike Caldwell for capturing precious moments.
For post production Matt Haysom and Tom Higgins
And not forgetting The Victor Team for making it happen... again
28
FROM RUNWAY TO RELAXATION
Cast away your stress in the Maldives – we explore the
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa
30
CLIVE TALKIN’
The man behind the brand – Victor CEO and Founder,
Clive Jackson on disrupting the marketplace and
climbing to new heights
32
RIGHT FLEET, RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
With a choice of over 750 private aircraft, Victor can help
you to fly smarter
34
CHOICE AND TRANSPARENCY
Meet Victor’s partner operators and aircraft
VICTO R M AGA Z IN E
22
OPERATING A POWERFUL ALLIANCE
One of Victor’s contracted partner operators talks about
the safety and security in private aviation
3
POP UP TO THE RYDER CUP
Book your seat for the golf event of the year – the 2014
Ryder Cup at Gleneagles
ADVERTISING FEATURE
15.00 EST/20.00 GMT
VICTOR AT A GLANCE
VICTOR HAS STORMED THE WORLD OF PRIVATE AVIATION IN EUROPE, OFFERING A GAMECHANGING PLATFORM FOR CUSTOMERS TO BOOK PRIVATE JETS. OVER 5,000 CUSTOMERS
LATER, WITH OFFICES IN MOSCOW AND FRANKFURT AND PLANS TO EXPAND IN THE US,
IT IS CLEAR EVERYONE LOVES THE CONCEPT. NOW VICTOR IS ADVANCING EVEN FURTHER
WITH A US LAUNCH AND SUPER-SLICK ‘MEMBERS ONLY’ APP THAT PUTS YOU IN TOUCH
WITH OVER 750 AIRCRAFT FROM A GULFSTREAM TO A CITATION.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
“ I love booking private flights with Victor because they offer easy online access,
flexibility and a huge choice of destinations and planes, all for considerably better
value than others. Their Customer Service team is on hand 24 hours a day from the
very beginning right through to landing, helping to recommend the right aircraft,
and choose the best Operator. Their model clearly is the one that puts the customer
first. I am sure others will want to enjoy the same Victor experience”
TIM RICHARDS: CEO AND FOUNDER, VUE ENTERTAINMENT
DARE TO CHALLENGE
In August 2011, Clive Jackson, frustrated with commercial air travel and the lack of first class services
across Europe, launched the world’s first marketplace for jet charters. This innovative online platform
disrupted an antiquated industry by effectively cutting out brokers and middlemen. Identifying that
45 per cent of private jets fly empty at any one time, Clive seized the opportunity to utilise this spare
capacity. Suddenly, he was offering customers access to a form of travel that was once the preserve
of the rich and famous – and aircraft operators the chance to sell their returning empty aircraft. The
daring part was the complete transparency: allowing people who wanted to charter a jet to see the
full details of the aircraft operator. If they chose to, they could bypass Victor altogether and book
direct – but they haven’t. Almost three years on, there are over 5,000 members.
THE CLEVER PART
If a member chooses, he or she can sell any surplus seats to other members, either sharing their
cabin or offering seats on the returning ‘empty leg’. The member receives 70 per cent of the seat
sale, which can effectively almost halve the original cost of their jet charter. This system works
particularly well on the popular charter routes such as Mallorca – where Victor first started flying –
Nice, Ibiza and Geneva.
THE DETAIL
If members are following certain routes, they can receive alerts when flights become available.
Victor’s booking system offers security: payment goes into an HSBC client deposit account, which
keeps it safe in the event of a financial problem with the operator.
THE NEW WORLD
Victor effectively opens up the world of private jets to a whole new market – those who may never
have considered flying privately before – because the seat prices can be equivalent to business class
fares. The arrival of Victor has effectively democratised private jet travel, making it more accessible
and affordable than ever before.
TIME TO FLY SMARTER
Members flying with Victor can now use our flight departure and booking app. It has been designed
specifically to provide seamless support for any forthcoming jet charter, both to members and their
personal assistants; updating them with up-to-the-minute alerts and information covering aircraft,
crew, departures and landing slots. Members can also receive empty leg alerts on their preferred
routes, and review their charter quotes, in addition to booking and paying for their charter via the
app - it really is the way to fly smarter.
YOU CAN GET A QUOTE AND
BOOK WITH VICTOR 24/7;
IT’S EASY
Jet charterers: don’t waste your
time benchmarking the market
when Victor will do this for
you with a few clicks on the
Victor App
It’s pay as you go, rather than
pay in advance. With Victor you
don’t need to commit yourself to
a pre-paid jet card or get tied to
just one supplier
If there is an empty aircraft
available, Victor will match it to
your quote request
With 750 aircraft at your
disposal, Victor will match the
best aircraft type and quote for
every occasion
It’s quick; quote request to booking
and take-off in less than 3 hours
Enjoy exceptional customer service
every step of the way
VICTO R M AGA Z IN E
VICTO R AT A G LANC E
THE CHOICE
Victor members can fly to and from almost any airport worldwide – 40,000 different airports with a
choice of over 750 different aircraft.
5
THE JET CHARTER PROPOSITION
The reasons people choose to charter a jet with Victor are the ease of use, professional service, the
choice, transparency of information and the price. First of all, membership is free. Members register
online and are verified by Victor’s member services team. They can then request quotations, using
the simple online process, which they will start to receive within 60 minutes. The quotations cover
the all-inclusive price, and photographs and details about the aircraft they are booking. They can
book online, and there is always an expert in flight operations or a travel concierge at the end of the
phone to offer advice and assistance. Jet charterers often need to make last-minute bookings and
Victor can turn around a quote request to booking and take-off in less than three hours.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
6
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E
P U RE MAGI C
P R I VA T E J E T T R AV E L I S
PURE MAGIC
LIKE MAGIC, PRIVATE JET TRAVEL CONJURES UP IMAGES OF THINGS WE IMAGINE ARE
BEYOND OUR REACH: A WORLD WHERE ONLY A FEW KNOW THE TRUTH WHILST
THE REST OF US LOOK ON IN AWE. THE REALITY IS NEARER THAN YOU THINK.
WE EXPLORE THE MAGIC OF PRIVATE JET TRAVEL WITH VICTOR.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
COOL, CALM AND COLLECTED
This isn’t a picture of someone dashing from a meeting,
late for a commercial flight, juggling laptop and bag,
while simultaneously briefing their PA and scanning the
departure boards, as they wrestle their way through
crowds of holidaymakers accompanied by the officious
and insistent nagging of the final boarding call.
Flying in a private jet is luxurious. It may sound like an obvious statement but if
this were a magic show, now would be the point at which you’re handed a pack
of cards for closer inspection. Instead, let’s imagine you’re calmly checking out a
state-of-the-art jet – complete with champagne, canapés, a plush carpet for your
beloved dog, and the travelling companion of your choice. That is, after all, what
private aviation is all about – choice; having everything exactly as you want it.
That’s the magic.
Now let’s rewind and take a closer look in case you missed the trick...
Rather, this is the picture of someone with the calm look
of a member of Victor, the world’s foremost provider
of private jet charters and empty leg bookings. This is
someone who then confirmed their choice online and paid
via a secure HSBC Client Deposit Account and received
a series of personalised, easy-to-compare private jet
charter quotes from a choice of over 100 operators and a
fleet of 750 aircraft with a few clicks of the mouse – and all
within sixty minutes of the request. Each quote included
the name of the operator, the aircraft specification, tail
number and photo, insurance details, cancellation policy
and an all-inclusive price.
This is someone who also has Victor discreetly and
attentively on hand, thanks to a pioneering new app,
getting you airborne within three hours of booking. No
wonder they’re feeling cool, calm and collected.
www.flyvictor.com
ADVERTISING FEATURE
AN EXPERT TEAM WITH EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE
“Victor’s online service is driven by industry-leading technology
and is entirely free to join,” says Steffen Fries, Senior Vice
President at Victor and an expert on the travel requirements
of business and leisure travellers, having spent six years
building NetJets’ offering in Germany. “Victor has an expert
in-house flight management team with extensive knowledge
of individual airports, aircraft specifications, rescheduling and
diversion solutions, extensive supplier contacts and other
bespoke services.
We only charge a 5 per cent handling fee for online
bookings and up to 10 per cent for empty legs and
concierge services – one of the main differences between
us and any traditional broker is our willingness to disclose
our fee structure. Our members trust us to provide
transparency, efficiency and accuracy, so they can make
informed chartering decisions, quickly and confidently.”
8
VICTO R M AGA Z IN E
P U RE MAGI C
STATE-OF-THE-ART JET, WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS
If you think the experience of chartering a private jet is
out of reach, think again – a seat on one of our aircraft
could actually cost the same as a business class ticket on a
commercial airline.
“There are some incredible prices out there, with all the
luxury and no hidden catches,” says Toby Edwards, Victor’s
Head of Business Development. “Take empty legs, for
example: when an aircraft is flying empty on a repositioning
flight, the route and schedule are restricted by the aircraft’s
commitments. But if you can adjust your schedule slightly to
match one of these flights, you could enjoy a vastly reduced
price. One of our members was in Malaga recently, looking
to fly back to London. We received his alert and found a
matching repositioning flight on an eight-seater Citation
XLS+. He paid £3,650 for the whole aircraft. Not only that,
he and his family also flew within a few hours of booking.”
You can fly when you want to, avoiding wasting
time on ground transfers and airport delays
YOUR TRAVELLING COMPANION OF CHOICE
Let’s return to our scenario, and your travelling companion. Treating yourself and your
family to a private jet charter is a great way to complement your lifestyle and enhance
your travel experience, whether you’re travelling to a hotel, yacht or second home. Your
companion could also be a business colleague or associate. One of the advantages of
private aviation is efficiency. You can fly when you want to, avoiding wasting time on ground
transfers and airport delays. You can work in privacy during the flight – potentially gaining
the equivalent of an extra day in the office – reason enough for many Travel Management
Companies, leading entrepreneurs and successful hedge fund managers to join Victor. Our
members have also been known to share the occasional flight with each other, especially
on Victor’s special ‘pop-up’ charters to designated events.
“We organise several pop-up flights a year, on which our members can buy individual seats”
explains Clive Jackson, serial entrepreneur and Founder of Victor. “We have pioneered
pop-up flying in Europe and, having met all the commercial, legal and civil aviation
requirements to offer per seat bookings on a private jet, we are now leading the way. These
charters travel to events ranging from the international art fair TEFAF Maastricht and
The Ryder Cup, to more intimate bespoke gatherings including supercar driving events
and world-class wine tastings. These are gatherings of like-minded people, leaders in their
field who want to enjoy a shared passion, so the quality of conversation, whether on the
flight or over lunch, is unparalleled.” That’s the true magic of private jet travel. Maybe it’s
time you tried it for real.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
In the world of private aviation there is
always plenty to discuss. Victor’s Senior Vice
President, Steffen Fries called a ‘round table
discussion’ of industry experts, including
The Jet Business Founder, Steve Varsano,
Corporate Jet Investor Editor, Alasdair Whyte
and facilitator Simon Brooke to share some of
the concerns and challenges the industry faces
this year. The extraordinary West End Offices
of The Jet Business in London provided the
perfect background for this lively discussion
and exchange of views.
R O U N D TA B L E
DISCUSSION
9
VICTO R M AGA Z IN E
O P ERATO R BENEFI T S
ADVERTISING FEATURE
SF: I agree, Steve, every challenging time also presents
opportunities. Victor understands that people are more
conscious in their buying behaviour, they don’t want to
get ripped off and they want more information before
committing. That’s why we disclose all information about
aircraft, operator, price and even booking fees. We’ve made
flying so much ‘smarter’.
SB: What trends do you see emerging in the market
currently? Are people buying jets again as well as
chartering them?
SV: It’s about your needs. We usually say that if you fly
between 150 and 200 hours a year that’s when you decide
to buy rather than charter. But if the usage is at the lower
end of that spectrum then someone might want to charter
out their jet to generate some income to offset against
their fixed costs.
10
VICTO R M AGA Z IN E
D IS C U SS IO N
Simon Brooke: I’d like to start this discussion by looking at some of the challenges and the
opportunities currently facing the private aviation sector.
Alasdair Whyte: People buy and charter business jets when they feel confident so the
big issue is obviously the economy. America is looking very good although the rest of the
world isn’t. The UK is a slight bright spot in Europe. There’s also the problem of Russia and
Ukraine plus problems in the Middle East. It’s clearly better than it was five years ago but
it’s not quite back to the level that it was pre-2008.
Steffen Fries: The crisis in Ukraine has indeed had an impact on us at Victor because
today our biggest markets are Europe and Russia/CIS. When it comes to buying aircraft the
situation is perhaps not as good as it was years ago but this just means that more people
are chartering.
Steve Varsano: I’m the eternal optimist. We’re servicing clients in China, Mexico or
wherever and there’s always a crisis somewhere in the world but people will always need
aeroplanes for their business. Over the last 10 years a lot of the emerging markets have
become really serious players and they’re in distant places so that’s why we’re seeing the
upper end of the market - the larger jets - experiencing greater demand. Demand for the
smaller jets is still weak but that could come back. Overall, prices are typically 30 to 50 per
cent less than they were in 2008.
SF: From a cost perspective it’s hard to justify private
aviation but from a value perspective it’s very different.
For instance, a senior manager has to deliver about six to
seven times the value of their salary for the company. If
you’ve got three senior managers that you need to get to,
say, Helsinki and back in a day then, yes, you can certainly
justify a private jet in value terms. Back to your question of
trends: Victor serves almost 50 NetJets customers already.
That, for me, is a clear indication that our offering is setting
the trend in terms of service, price and technology.
AW: I’ve got a friend who runs a large, privately owned US
company. When the downturn came he thought it looked
bad to have a jet so the company sold it. Now he says there’s
nothing more frustrating than being stuck on a commercial
jet watching a private jet taking off in front of you!
SF: There will always be those who buy planes but more
people go through brokers. Fractional ownership and prepaid cards lose more and more market share because
their main USP used to guarantee availability but that‘s
now offered by charters. And people don’t want long term
commitments any more or to have to pay up front and
get saddled with ‘use or lose it’ clauses. Those who were
using brokers are getting fed up with having to contact
different brokers just to get an overview of the supply and
enough transparency to make a decision. Victor provides
all information from year of manufacturing to insurance
coverage of a specific aircraft.
SB: There’s also the question of trust and reliability,
I suppose.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
SF: Exactly. We’ve invested over £2 million in our IT systems to ensure credibility. Some of these one man
bands could offer a Gulfstream 200 to fly from London to La Môle, near St Tropez, for instance. That’s fine
– except that a Gulfstream 200 can’t land at La Môle. And what about financial security? If you pay your
broker today you can never be sure what happens to your money until the flight. The “one-man band”
might have filed insolvency and your money is gone. Same with operators, and we have seen quite a few
of them disappearing over the last two years. We’ve set up a client deposit account with HSBC, where your
payment is held. We release the money 24 hours before the flight so whatever happens in between your
booking and your flight, your money is safe.
SV: There’s no doubt that, since 2008, the old saying that if you have to ask how much it costs you can’t
afford it doesn’t apply anymore. Everybody is very cost-conscious these days and they really shop around.
There are a lot more educated people out there and a lot more information available.
SB: Perhaps, like other markets since 2008, private aviation has had to become more transparent?
SF: Beside trust it is absolutely about transparency. With a jetcard you never have all-in prices with all the
add-ons like fuel, landing fees etc. Nor do you know which specific aircraft will finally pick you up. With our
technology it just takes a few clicks or taps to make an informed decision and find the best aircraft and the
right deal. With a fraction it’s even worse, since you never know the residual value in 5 years time. So you
have no idea of total-cost-of-ownership.
11
FIGURES
World business jet
distribution
66%
NORTH AMERICA
15%
EUROPE
7%
ASIA
Taking part:
Steffen Fries, Senior Vice President, Victor
Steve Varsano, founder, The Jet Business
Alasdair Whyte, Editor, Corporate Jet Investor
Simon Brooke, Luxury sector journalist and facilitator
VICTO R M AGA Z IN E
D IS C U SS IO N
SV: You’re absolutely right Steffen, it’s about empowering the client. You need to provide people with all
the information they need to find the aircraft that best meets their needs.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
12
VICTO R M AGA ZI N E
IS LAND HO P P ING
book ed via wimc o
ou r villa “reef poin t”
ADVERTISING FEATURE
ISLAND HOPPING
Where the Côte d’Azur meets the Caribbean – Victor Founder and CEO
Clive Jackson chose the stunning island of St Barthélemy to complete
the last in a series of new Victor brand photography
13
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E
IS LAND HO P P ING
There is something quite magical about finding an island where the airport
closes as the sun goes down and the roar of the last flight of the day gives
way to the sound of waves lapping at the end of the runway, which literally
runs on to the beach at the Bay of St Jean.
As the evening sky turns through successive shades of rose, red and
gold, a light breeze carries the distant laughter from Nikki Beach. Day-time
revellers start to wander home as we pack away our equipment, having
finished our photo shoot on arguably the most perfect of Caribbean islands.
I had sailed through St Barths several times before and always imagined
returning, to shoot at least one new brand advert for Victor, capturing the
essence of what Victor represents.
Gazing out from the edge of our infinity pool, across the Bay of St Jean,
we thanked the crew with a bottle of Château Minuty, having called in a
host of favours, from photographers to aircraft owners – and a particularly
accommodating airport manager – who allowed us to work on the
operational airport, with planes taking off and landing every few minutes.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
stepping down from
th e Pilatus PC12
There is so much to do, with shopping,
diving, dining and surfing to fill your
days, and something for all ages.
Ba rba ra (our mode l)
Ch ris tia nn a (stylis t)
winds)
Da vid (owner of tra de
it’s a wrap!
14
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E
IS LAND HO P P ING
a nd
h e l p i ng h
N ikki’s after party
laurent (ph otograp h er)
it really is on a slope
ADVERTISING FEATURE
PARADISE FOUND
Just ten minutes’ flying time from the neighbouring island of St Maarten,
Gustaf III Airport can only be reached by small propeller aircraft private
charter or commuter. With a 2,170 feet runway, which is also on a slight
slope, it’s a stunning arrival, over Mount Tourment and the turquoise
waters of St Jean beach.
Whether you are flying from the US or Europe, you must gateway via St
Maarten, San Juan or Antigua – all of which are capable of accommodating
Gulfstreams, Global Expresses and Falcons – before changing aircraft for
the last leg of your journey. Alternatively, sail in on your superyacht.
WHERE THE CÔTE D’AZUR MEETS THE CARIBBEAN
The first French settlers arrived nearly 500 years ago and today
St Barths delivers the promise of unparalleled service (always with a smile),
sophisticated cuisine, the ‘je ne sais quoi’ of French chic and barefoot luxury
– not to mention daytime temperatures that average about 27 degrees
Celsius all year round.
sax on nikki beach
15
A GASTRONOME’S DELIGHT
On the fringes, it has all the charisma of Mustique but, with a restaurant
ratio of 50:1, there really is no comparison. There are more than 400 uber-,
super- and ultimate luxury villas to rent, not to mention some of the finest
hotels, on an island that measures no more than 16 square miles.
Perched on a cliff-top overlooking the Bay of St Jean, with Eden Rock
and the tiny airport on the far side of the bay, you’re never far from a
boulangerie – serving croissants and patisseries to rival any Parisian baker
– and supermarkets offering the very finest fresh local ingredients.
Gustavia is the island’s enchanting capital and duty-free yachting port.
Its size precludes cruise ships so, instead, its abundance of luxury boutiques
caters for the super-affluent clientele aboard private yachts. The latest
luxury brands and couture fashion equals St Tropez – so while you may
have stepped out of the fast-lane, you certainly won’t fall behind on fashion.
All in all, and photo shoot aside, St Barths is so good, I want to go back
again … and again …
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E
IS LAND HO P P ING
There is so much to do, with shopping, diving, dining and surfing to fill
your days, and something for all ages. Despite its overstated prices, the
island has managed to retain its understated French heritage and charm.
You’ll find yourself rubbing shoulders with A-listers, but frankly no one
looks or cares.
MUST DOS WHEN VISITING
Shell Beach – for that sunset cocktail at
Restaurant Dõ Brazil (five-minute walk
from Gustavia): www.dobrazil.com
Bonito, Rue Lubin Brin, Gustavia – for the
coolest DJ and dining (you can buy tracks
to take home): www.ilovebonito.com
Filles des Iles 8, Villa Créole St Jean – for
the things you can’t get in St Tropez:
(+590) 590 29 04 08
Nikki Beach, Plage de St Jean – because
you have to, at least once, (the sushi is
excellent); www.nikkibeach.com/stbarth
St Bart’s Blue www.stbartsblue.com and
Wimco www.wimco.com: for the widest
choice of villas
… And not forgetting the roundabout at
the western tip of the runway to see the
most spectacular landings, ever
Getting there by PC12 - Tradewinds
booked via Victor of course
ADVERTISING FEATURE
F U R S
C L A S S
You may imagine only pampered pedigrees travel as
‘pets on jets’. In true Victor style, we’ve discovered a
wonderfully heart-warming tale that also challenges
some common misconceptions about flying with our
four-legged friends.
16
VICTO R M AGA Z IN E
FU RS C LASS
Meet Roo. He’s a handsome Rottweiler-cross: loyal, proud, majestic ...and cuddly. Probably
not quite what you were expecting. And with origins in Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
in London, maybe not what you’d expect to see on a private jet. But as his owner, Victor
member Katinka Nicou explains, true love knows no bounds – emotionally or geographically.
“I first met Roo when he was being walked in a London park by a volunteer,” recalls
Katinka, a successful international leadership coach and facilitator, whose extensive work
is now increasingly focusing on the development of philanthropic strategies and legacy
definition. “I discovered that Roo had been abandoned at six months old. I held out my
hands and he rested his little head in them. He gave a deep sigh, as if relieved, and looked
up at me. They say dogs pick their owner and, right then, Roo picked me.”
After a lengthy rehoming approval process, Katinka was finally able to adopt Roo. They
have been inseparable ever since. Roo has grown from a shy, traumatised puppy into
a trusting, impeccably behaved companion. He now accompanies Katinka to meetings,
parties and country weekends; travelling in buses, trains, cars and taxis – and attracting
admirers wherever he goes. It was just a matter of time before he joined her on a flight.
HOW TO GET THERE
Fly from London to Palma in 2 hours 30 mins on
a Citation XLS
Contact the Victor Team on: +44 207 384 8550
or email: [email protected]
“I was flying to Mallorca to spend a month working on my
latest book. I really wanted Roo to come with me to share
the breathtaking mountain walks and invigorating beach
runs. So I decided to investigate the possibility of taking
him. I weighed up the commercial and private options,
before signing up with Victor. Flying on commercial airlines
involved endless searches, then going through licensed
pet travel agents, filling in countless forms, and paying
exorbitant fees on top of the dog’s fare. He would also have
to fly in a crate in the luggage hold, which raised concerns
for me.
“The great thing is, when booking privately through
Victor, Roo can fly with me in the cabin. I simply provided a
scan of our passports, made a quick online payment and
that was it - I booked immediately. We arrived at Biggin Hill
Airport around 30 minutes before departure and while
our passports were checked, I took Roo for a stroll outside.
Onboard, I was offered a cup of coffee and a newspaper,
and Roo enjoyed a bowl of water and a treat. The crew
went to great lengths to make us both feel welcome and
comfortable. On arrival at Palma Airport, we flew through
with similar ease and, within a few hours of taking off from
the UK, we reached the olive grove that was our home for
the next month.”
Katinka and Roo’s story beautifully illustrates the
boundless friendships that can arise from chance meetings.
It also shows how, by challenging preconceived ideas and
following your heart, wonderful things can be achieved that
surpass all initial expectations. From abandonment in the
park, to a seat on a private jet, Roo’s ‘rags to riches’ journey
neatly sums up why Victor believes our four-legged friends
should always be treated as ‘Furs Class’ passengers.
FIVE FURS CLASS FACTS
1
2
3
4
5
A pet passport is
mandatory, confirming
that your dog’s
routine health checks
are up to date.
Your dog will need
identification bearing the
date of their microchip.
You must confirm that
your dog received a
rabies vaccination three
weeks prior to the flight.
Your dog will need to have
had tapeworm treatment
one to five days prior to
the flight.
Always check for latest
information at:
http://www.gov.uk/
pet-travel-information
-for-pet-owners.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
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VICTO R M AGA ZIN E
FU RS C LASS
PET-APPROVED AIRPORTS IN THE UK include:
Biggin Hill, Farnborough, Stansted, Oxford, Cambridge,
Gatwick, Heathrow, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool,
Leeds Bradford, Doncaster, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
A H E A LT H Y A D D I C T I O N
FEW EXPERIENCES CAN MATCH THE MAGIC OF PRIVATE JET TRAVEL. HOLIDAYING BY PRIVATE
YACHT COMES MIGHTILY CLOSE. FOR THOSE SEEKING THE ULTIMATE ESCAPE – WHERE ONLY
THE VERY BEST WILL DO
ADVERTISING FEATURE
‘The yachting lifestyle is addictive,’ says Alev Karagulle of yacht brokerage firm Burgess.
‘Most would never go back – there is never a hotel or a resort that can supersede a yacht…’
It may seem like a bold statement, but then superyachting really is an experience like no
other. Whether chartering a multimillion dollar giant for the week’s holiday of a lifetime,
or taking the plunge into ownership for those who are truly addicted, a yacht provides
the sort of freedom with a level of luxury and privacy that is unrivalled. Think private jet
combined with the ultimate villa on the sea, and you may be somewhere close.
ENJOY THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE
So what is this ultimate lifestyle that so many find so addictive? ‘I think the appeal is that
the guest to crew ratio is very high,’ Alev explains. ‘In a hotel you are one of often several
hundred guests. Service can be good, but it is not customised to you. But if you’re on a
yacht with your 12 guests, there could be 15 or more crew who are focused solely on you.
You can have lunch, dinner or snacks when you want, and the chef is working only and
specifically to your requirements. If you want to do something active, the deck crew are
entirely yours. You can have what you want, when you want it and how you want it. Even
seven-star hotels don’t come close. You can get a new view every morning – like having
YACHT CLUB DE
MONACO
your own mobile villa on the water – and you get total privacy. If you’re used to calling the
shots and enjoy the freedom, superyachting is for you.’
STATE-OF-THE-ART LUXURY
And it’s not just about hand-tufted silk carpets – modern superyachts come with WiFi,
integrated on-demand entertainment systems, extensive watersports toys and an array
of state-of-the-art connectivity equipment if you need to work from the yacht, and many
call,’ adds Karagulle.
CHARTERER OR OWNER?
‘Charter is the entry into superyachting,’ she continues. ‘We have had clients at Burgess
who have chartered for 20 years and who would never dream of buying a yacht. Then
there are those who charter, and say “That’s great, but I want more deck space and a
bigger VIP cabin”. That’s when they look to buy. Most people buy a pre-owned yacht first,
then progress to a new build as it’s quite complex to build your own yacht.’
One option for first-time buyers is to find a pre-owned yacht, and then to refit the yacht
to their own specification. ‘It’s not as big a leap buying a pre-owned yacht and going for the
refit option,’ advises Karagulle. ‘With the market dynamics of the last six years, the prices
are very attractive and there are some very good deals out there, although this will level
out as the pre-owned inventory becomes depleted.’
BUILT FROM THE KEEL UP
For those looking to own but wanting a new build, several yards now offer a semi-customised
solution with standardised hulls and engineering platforms on to which clients can stamp
their own exterior or interior design criteria safe in the knowledge that the hull and core
technical elements are already proven. Ownership, though, can be a big commitment.
‘Some won’t buy, as they like the fact they can charter and walk away – they don’t have
to think about maintenance, or crew management. Owning a large yacht can be a bit like
owning a company – some like that aspect, but it’s not for everyone.’
Ultimately, whether you want to charter or are looking to own, nothing comes close to the
experience of being on a superyacht. ‘It’s independence, it’s freedom, it’s a sense that the
world is your oyster,’ Karagulle enthuses. ‘It ties in with the private jet lifestyle.’ With more
opportunities for swimming, of course.
www.burgessyachts.com
Built to the French Haute Qualité
Environnementale standards, the
new clubhouse is designed to have
minimal impact on the environment
due to efficient water, waste and energy
management systems. It uses the latest
technologies, from photovoltaic panels
to a hydro-cooling system recycling
water from the port.
At its heart will be an atrium with
a monumental spiral staircase. The
second level will be reserved exclusively
for members of the YCM, while also
to be accommodated are the Société
Nautique (rowing club) and the YCM’s
Sailing Division (Youth and Adults)
from where the YCM’s international
regattas are organised.
Located directly in front of the new
building on Quai Louis II, the YCM
Marina has 26 berths for superyachts
from 25m to 60m, a pontoon for
tenders and a terminal for charters.
Superyacht owners will have privileged
access to the clubhouse throughout
their stay in the principality.
VICTO R MAGAZIN E
YAC HT S
experience on board, and you’ve pretty much got every feasible luxury at your beck and
19
chefs now come from Michelin-starred backgrounds. ‘You can have a phenomenal eating
Superyacht visitors to Monaco will
soon be able to enjoy the exciting
new facilities of the Yacht Club de
Monaco (YCM). The new clubhouse
– designed by Norman Foster and
Monaco-born architect Alexandre
Giraldi – is almost complete, and will be
officially inaugurated on 20 June with
a weekend festival celebrating L’Art de
Vivre la Mer.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
L E T ’ S
P O P
U P
T O
T H E
R Y D E R
C U P
THE COUNTDOWN TO THE 2014 RYDER CUP AT GLENEAGLES HAS
BEGUN, AND IN GOLF, IT SIMPLY DOES NOT GET ANY BIGGER. BOOK
A SEAT ON ONE OF VICTOR’S UNIQUE POP-UP FLIGHTS FOR AN
EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE
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VICTO R MAGAZIN E
RY D ER C U P
If life seems a little bit “all work and no play”, rest assured, you’re not alone. In fact, it seems
to be an affliction most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders suffer. But, it has
also inspired the creation of Victor’s unique pop-up flights. These flights are on private
jets that have been specifically chartered by a Victor member, to let other members book
individual seats on the aircraft for a particular event. They offer exceptional value, a means
to an ultra-efficient escape, and a chance to share a social, sporting or cultural experience
with other like-minded people.
The success of these flights is proof-positive that you’re not the only one wanting to
escape for a day. It also signifies that the demands you face, and the high expectations
you have, are innately understood and have been acknowledged by Victor. The response
is a luxury pop-up flight offering that provides all the efficiency and excellence you crave,
without any of the hassle that might ordinarily prevent you taking a moment for yourself.
As a Victor member, you can simply book a seat, then focus on enjoying yourself or
entertaining clients – at events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, an exclusive Lamborghini
race event at Goodwood, a world-class wine-tasting in California, or a day at The Ryder
Cup at Gleneagles.
LEADING THE MARKET
“We pioneered the concept of pop-up flights in direct
response to the needs of our members,” explains Clive
Jackson, Victor’s Founder and CEO. “They are successful,
intelligent and discerning individuals who enjoy a number
of shared interests – such as art, sport, technology, yachting,
real estate, fine dining and motoring. We partner our popup flights with events that appeal to these shared interests.
We’ve found that members not only enjoy sharing their
passion for the subject matter at the heart of an event,
but also appreciate being with similar people; enjoying
the highest quality of service, with some really stimulating
conversation during the event, over lunch or on the flight.”
ADVERTISING FEATURE
HOW TO GET THERE
Contact the Victor Team on:
+44 207 384 8550
or email: [email protected]
EXPERIENCE THE GOLFING EVENT OF THE YEAR
Victor is the private aircraft partner to Ryder Cup Travel Services for the
40th Ryder Cup. The event takes place at the home of golf, Gleneagles in
Scotland, from 26 to 28 September 2014. The world-class occasion sees the
best golfers from the US and Europe square-up on an iconic course, in an
atmosphere charged by pride, pressure and passion. It will be unmissable especially if you book a seat with Victor.
The Gleneagles Hotel is a Five AA Red Star golf and spa resort hotel,
set in 850 acres of stunning scenery in Perthshire. There are 232 luxurious
bedrooms, including 26 suites, with a host of leisure pursuits available in
addition to the three championship golf courses and award-winning spa.
It is also home to Scotland’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant; a very
fitting destination for a pop-up flight.
BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW
As you’d expect from Victor, you can obtain a prompt,
transparent and informative quote to charter your own
aircraft into Dundee or Edinburgh airports, to attend the
event, or you can register your interest in a pop-up flight.
All you need to do to make a reservation is simply email
Victor with the date you wish to fly and the number of seats
you require.
“Many of our members attend high profile international
events, such as The Ryder Cup, where they enjoy VIP
treatment,” says Toby Edwards, Victor’s Head of Business
Development. “At Victor, we ensure that their flights and
ground transfers, to and from the event, complement the
impeccable quality of service they will receive at the event.
This seamless luxury is our hallmark. In addition to this,
members also benefit from the usual perks and efficiencies
associated with private jet travel. They can rely on us to get
them where they want to be, quickly and efficiently – and
in a way that means they get the most enjoyment out of
being there, and getting there.”
VICTO R MAGAZIN E
RY D ER C U P
For the Monaco Grand Prix - fly from Farnborough
to Nice in a Citation CJ2 in 2 hours and
connect to a helicopter to Monaco
21
For the Ryder Cup - Scotland - Edinburgh.
Fly a small 4 seat Mustang Aircraft from Blackbushe
or Biggin Hill in 1 hour 20 mins.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
O P E R AT I N G A P O W E R F U L A L L I A N C E
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VICTO R M AGA ZI N E
AVC O N J ET ALLIANC E
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED TO LEARN THAT ALMOST 90 PER CENT OF ALL AIRCRAFT AVAILABLE FOR
COMMERCIAL CHARTER THROUGH VICTOR ARE PRIVATELY OWNED BY INDIVIDUALS AND CORPORATIONS,
AND ARE OPERATED AND MANAGED BY CERTIFIED AIRCRAFT OPERATORS. THE REMAINING 10 PER CENT
ARE FLOWN BY OPERATORS THAT OWN OR LEASE THE AIRCRAFT THEMSELVES. ALL ARE LICENSED BY
THEIR RESPECTIVE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITIES.
Avcon Jet, based in Vienna, Austria, is just one of over
100 global operators whose fleet of aircraft are currently
available to charter through Victor. It is one of the most
dynamic emerging private aviation companies in Europe.
Its flight staff and aviation experts meet strict criteria and
are dedicated to providing the highest standards of safety
and service for our clients.
TRUST, CARE AND SAFETY
‘Our aircraft owners entrust us with an asset that has a
multi-million dollar value,’ says Avcon’s CEO, Alexander
Vagacs. ‘So we have to take great care of this asset to
maintain its maximum value. Our charter clients know that
the average age of our fleet is less than five years and that
safety is always paramount.’
With its own quality assurance team in place, Avcon
Jet has technicians on site to supervise maintenance and
coordinate repairs. Every aircraft is maintained to the
highest standards and each one is subject to extensive
pre-flight checks.
‘Safety and security are of vital importance to us and
our clients,’ continues Vagacs. ‘All our crews undergo a
stringent selection process, with interviews, tests and flights
on the simulator. Only those who successfully complete
this process can become Avcon Jet pilots and go on to fly
our aircraft. Training continues on an ongoing basis, with
sessions in the simulator at least twice a year and two
check-flights each year. Our internal examiners follow-up
and supervise the check-flights.’
INDUSTRY-LEADING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
‘I am excited about the way Victor’s advanced technology
is leading our industry to a new level. From an operator’s
perspective, we welcome the seamless request/quote
process, as well as the transparency on the retail price. Last,
but not least, the fact that payment from the customer is
held in a client deposit account gives us financial security.’
‘We operate flights for governments, businesses and
the largest hospital in Austria, so we are set up to deliver
24/7 in our offices, and our team is trained and experienced
in handling last minute changes and unexpected requests.
We can be airborne out of Vienna within an hour of a flight
request,’ concludes Vagacs.
www.avconjet.at
ADVERTISING FEATURE
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VICTO R M AGA ZIN E
MOTO RS P O RT
FROM BOARDROOM TO
RACETRACK
AT 55, A LOT OF SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMEN HAVE ONE EYE ON THE GOLF COURSE,
AND MAYBE THE OCCASIONAL BOARD MEETING. NOT TIM RICHARDS. DESPITE
SELLING VUE ENTERTAINMENT FOR £935M LAST YEAR, THE HOLLYWOOD
EXECUTIVE TURNED ENTREPRENEUR IS FAR FROM RESTING ON HIS LAURELS.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
‘It’s one of the reasons I invested in Victor. I saw a
business model I believed in - a game-changer.
It reminded me of my early days.’
24
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E
MOTO RS P O RT
Building on a lifetime love of fast cars, Tim has entered
Lamborghini’s one-make racing series, the Super Trofeo.
Held across current and former European Formula One
circuits, it pits 19-year-old hotshots alongside amateur
‘gentlemen racers’ like Tim, and is widely seen as a
gateway to GT3 racing – Tim’s ultimate goal. And it comes
with a professional level of risk; tragically, Italian driver
Andrea Mamé was killed last year at the Paul Ricard circuit
in France.
So who better to dispense some motoring wisdom
than former F1 driver and Le Mans winner Mark Blundell –
now at the helm of MB Partners, his sports marketing and
representation agency. Over dinner at The Club at The Ivy,
the two found that the worlds of business and racing share
ample common ground.
‘We’ve all heard the cliché about the hard-working,
healthy man who retires and drops dead the next day,’
explains Tim. ‘Retirement, for me, is one of the scariest
concepts out there.’
He may not have thousands of race miles under his
belt just yet, but Tim is no newcomer to ‘extreme’ sports
(a label he lightly disregards – ‘they’re just sports to me’).
To watch the live 2014 races go to
http://squadracorse.lamburghini.com/en/live
‘I’m a former ski racer. I was not particularly good technically so I
specialised in downhill. I’ve been clocked at over 80mph on skis, so I have
never had an issue with speed. Not at all – I love it. Car racing and skiing
are so similar; it’s amazing.’
Nevertheless, there has been plenty to learn. ‘I like being slightly out
of my comfort zone’, he says, ‘but I have certain expectations. I hate being
at the back!’
With only six races this year, Tim can easily combine the demands of
running Vue Entertainment with this new challenge. He completed his first
races at Monza in Italy on 12 and 13 April, finishing 17th and 19th out of a
field of 25. Despite his high standards, it’s not bad for someone who only
got his international race licence in March.
‘You can’t come in and expect to be great immediately,’ says Mark.
‘Race cars are worlds away from road cars. The good thing is that you
know how to deal with pressure. I thrive on pressure – you’ve got to absorb
that nervous energy, and build on it.’
It’s clear that Tim is no stranger to the parallels between sport
and business. ‘I love working with people who’ve done something in
sport, because they understand passion. People think money buys you
everything, but it’s passion that keeps you working at three in the morning.’
‘Absolutely,’ agrees Mark. ‘I’ve never worked so hard as setting up my
business. It’s intriguing – you’re making the journey from boardroom to
racetrack and I’m doing the reverse. I’ll be negotiating with a businessman
who’s cool as a cucumber, and I’m sweating, and I think “I wish I was in a
race car – I know how to control that!”’
‘It’s always much easier to give up – just like carrying enough speed
round a corner, the easiest thing to do is back off. But you don’t; you dig
deep and carry on.’
‘I’m actually envious of you, being an entrepreneur’, laughs Tim.
‘I loved those first few years of my company – moments of terror and
exhilaration, with nothing in-between.’
‘It’s one of the reasons I invested in Victor. I saw a business model I
believed in – a game-changer. It reminded me of my early days.’
Perhaps one thing more than any other highlights the similarity
between the two men: neither can bear to be a passenger. ‘I get really
nauseous as a passenger in a racing car’, admits Tim, ‘which has made
learning harder. But I can’t do it.’
‘I’m the same,’ Mark adds. ‘I’ve got no focus or attention on it if I’m
not driving.’
For high-capacity individuals like Tim and Mark, the driving seat is
the only place to be. So it’s no surprise at all that it’s behind the wheel
of a Lamborghini LP 560-4 that Tim has found a repose nothing else
can provide.
‘Even during cycle races, my mind is everywhere, and work, or family,
can creep in. But when I’m on the track it’s 100 per cent about the race.
And 99.9 per cent won’t be enough. When I finish, it feels like I’ve been on
holiday for a week.’
ADVERTISING FEATURE
25
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E
MOTO RS P O RT
‘RACECARS ARE WORLDS AWAY FROM ROAD CARS. THE GOOD THING IS THAT YOU
KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH PRESSURE. I THRIVE ON PRESSURE - YOU’VE GOT TO
ABSORB THAT NERVOUS ENERGY, AND BUILD ON IT.’
ADVERTISING FEATURE
26
VICTO R M AGA ZI N E
ART
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Jonathan Green is CEO of Richard Green, one of the world’s leading art dealerships. A third-generation
family member of this renowned Bond Street institution, Green specialises in Old Masters, Impressionist
and Modern art. Since 2010 he has been on the Board of Trustees of TEFAF, Maastricht, the world’s most
prestigious annual fine art and antiques fair – and coincidentally a destination of one of Victor’s recent pop
up flight initiatives.
An expert in his field, Green recognises the effect that trends have on art and antiques, and has opted
to focus his business ethos on timeless quality.
“After the financial crisis in 2008, there was a decrease in the purchase of art. However, over the past
six months, we have seen a marked increase in deal flow; individual sales have improved and we are selling
more expensive paintings,” he states. “At Maastricht we sold a very good Monet, for example, as well as ‘The
Village Lawyer’ by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, from 1615. We also sold an exceptional painting of a Venice
view by Eugene Bodin and a charming flower painting by Chagall, and a Utrillo as well. In every case, quality
is paramount. We offer a very personal service, nothing is too much trouble. Our clients don’t experience any
hassle. Each purchase is hung and lit and then we have lunch – if they don’t like the art for any reason, unlike
an auction house, we will, of course, exchange.”
As an internationally renowned art aficionado, Green’s business requires him to be constantly on the
move: “I am travelling a lot, both selling and buying. Looking back over the past six months, I have to say a
substantial amount of our business has been done abroad, or consummated abroad, mainly in Europe and
America. Of course we still have very busy periods in the gallery where people walk in and buy paintings, but
I spend a lot of my time travelling and, because it is hard to balance this with family life, it makes sense to fly
privately. This means I can operate on a global scale with both optimum efficiency and flexibility.”
A RT
“One of the reasons I switched to Victor is the efficiency that their ‘on-line’ marketplace offers. Transparency,
choice and a commitment to service is something I value. There is an undoubted crossover between the art
world and private jet travel. Victor’s association with TEFAF brings a level of service commensurate with our
expectations. They have firmly established themselves in Europe and I am excited about their expansion
plans in the USA, as much of our business is conducted in North America.”
Green, like many other Victor members, exemplifies the way passion, expertise and commitment can
combine to create not only a successful business but also an unrivalled and personal service.
In the coming months, Victor and Jonathan Green are looking forward to hosting an exclusive evening
gathering at his Bond Street Gallery for a selection of Victor members who are art enthusiasts.
www.richardgreen.com
VICTO R M AGA ZI N E
ART
THE EUROPEAN FINE ART FAIR HAS STAKED ITS TERRITORY IN OLD
MASTERS AND ANTIQUES. WE SPEAK TO CEO JONATHAN GREEN
27
P R I C E L E S S VA LU E S,
DOW N TO A FIN E
ADVERTISING FEATURE
F R O M R U N WAY T O R E L A X AT I O N
THE PEARL IN THE OYSTER
If you are looking for the ultimate in relaxation, surrounded by crisp, blue
waters which dazzle under a cloudless sky, then look no further than the
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa in the Maldives. This sanctuary for the
soul lies on the heart-shaped lagoon of Addu Atoll, 40 miles from the
equator in the south of the archipelago. Swaying coconut palms, white sands
and an extravaganza of sea-life – this five-star cocoon is the ultimate in
castaway chic.
28
VICTO R MAGAZIN E
T RAVEL
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Viewed from 40,000 feet, there are few signs of life in the
Maldives. Strings of uninhabited islands, each one a bright
green speck encircled by brilliant white sand, stretch as far
as the eye can see.
This is where you come to escape, sleep in bungalows
on stilts and swim in lagoons the temperature of bathwater
– it’s the ultimate disconnect. But as more and more people
rush to visit the islands, some of the clusters nearest Malé
are starting to suffer from overcrowding and congestion.
Gaze out across the azure ocean from your sunlounger,
and instead of a pod of dolphins, you’re more likely to spot
a construction crane being towed to the next five-star
resort in the making.
29
A 24/7 SERVICE
The hotel’s general manager, Rene D Egle (a keen private aviation enthusiast), tells us
that arrivals via private jet have more than trebled in the last 18 months, and the hotel
now has a round-the-clock operations team dedicated to incoming guests.
“We have groups flying in from Russia, USA, the UAE and China, as well as Europe,”
explains Egle. “Flying private is especially good for families visiting the Maldives.
When you fly commercial, there are so many restrictions in terms of timings and
weather. You might have a bad connection in the UAE, or have to stop over for the night
in Malé if conditions aren’t right for seaplanes to fly. You won’t find another resort in
the Maldives that offers speedier disembarkation – the hotel’s jetty is just eight minutes
from the airport!’
FROM A SIMPLE SANDWICH TO FINE DINING
For guests who fly privately, crew members meet with the food and beverage manager
to plan the perfect meals for the return leg. “Our chefs always create wonderful
menus – from authentic Chinese, three-course fine dining or simply ham and cheese
sandwiches,” laughs Egle. Add such gastronomic pleasures, a health club and spa and
the opportunity for a round of golf on the Maldives’ only 9-hole golf course together
and you have the perfect destination. “Whatever our guests want, we can arrange it.”
Of that, we have no doubt.
www.shangri-la.com
HOW TO GET THERE
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa is 5 hours from Dubai
in a Challenger 604
Contact the Victor Team on:
+44 207 384 8550
or email: [email protected]
VICTO R MAGAZIN E
T RAVEL
DISCOVER A PURER PARADISE
Thankfully, new airports are springing up faster than you
can say ‘another mojito please’; many are located in the
remotest corners of the Maldives. Fly into Gan International
Airport, for example, in the Addu Atoll (300 miles south of
Malé) and the water is cleaner, the coral is thriving and
paradise appears purer. No surprise then that a large
proportion of the Maldivian population actually choose to
live here.
For visitors travelling by private jet, the best address is
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa. The hotel actually has
its own private terminal at Gan International Airport so
you are looked after from the moment you step out of the
aircraft. Originally built in 2011 to receive heads of state for
the SAARC summit, the terminal is now reserved for the
exclusive use of Shangri-La’s VIP guests.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
30
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E
C LIVE JAC K S O N
CLIVE TALKIN’
SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR CLIVE JACKSON LAUNCHED VICTOR IN AUGUST 2011 TO BECOME
THE WORLD’S FIRST TRANSPARENT MARKETPLACE FOR PRIVATE JET CHARTER AND PER
SEAT BOOKINGS – AND IS AIMING TO BECOME THE LARGEST GLOBAL BOOKING PLATFORM,
FOR BOTH PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL CHARTER SALES.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Clive Jackson, CEO and Founder of Victor, launched digital web design and marketing company Global
Beach in 1993. At the dawn of a digital revolution, while others fell by the wayside, he successfully steered the
business through global expansion and 20 years of consecutive profits. As an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur
of the Year Finalist in 2002 and 2004 and APAX Technology CEO of the Year Finalist in 2003, it is hardly
surprising that Victor is the company every entrepreneur wishes they’d dreamt up, or at least invested in.
Two and a half years on from the debut pan-European launch of Victor, Clive is still relentless in his
determination to succeed. His formidable track record in business has attracted the very best in aviation,
technology and marketing talent to form the extended Victor management team.
Few start-ups have the right combination of vision, skill and experience to attract an investor list that
reads like the who’s who of international business. And they are backing a very personal commitment to
build the world’s leading private jet charter business.
HAS YOUR WIDER BUSINESS BACKGROUND HELPED IN COMPETING
AGAINST MORE ESTABLISHED AVIATION EXPERTS?
I’ve developed three distinct skill sets over the past two decades: brand
marketing, technology platforms, and building successful international
businesses. What really counts is the ability to build a great team of
likeminded professionals, all with the same vision.
GIVEN ALL YOUR EFFORTS TO CHAMPION TRANSPARENCY, WILL THE
INDUSTRY EVER SEE REGULATION?
I think the Americans are already leading the way and I am encouraged
by the US Department of Transport’s efforts. My recent interview on
Bloomberg TV let me champion this in a very public way in Europe –
we will continue to lead by example and disclose everything, so we can be
held accountable. And one day perhaps someone else will dare to follow
our example.
WITH MORE AND MORE COPYCAT START-UPS TRYING TO OFFER A
BOOKING SERVICE, HOW DO YOU DEFEND YOURSELF?
It’s easy to invest in a website or mobile app that generates an email
request, but it doesn’t fool anyone. We innovate faster than anyone else,
with a range of services that our customers really want and use technology
to drive efficiency for them and us.
It means we can localise our IT platform and easily scale across
countries, currencies and tax jurisdictions. Great service builds trust and
loyalty, and there’s no lock-in so our members are always free to choose
who they book their charter with if they become dissatisfied.
ARE YOU READY TO GO GLOBAL?
There are a lot of challenges involved with entering the US market, so
you need to be extremely well prepared. The success of our new sales
operations in Moscow and Frankfurt in the last year means we’re ready for
the US and we aim to be up and running with a local customer service team
by the next quarter.
VICTO R M AGA ZI N E
C LIVE JAC K S O N
ARE YOU STILL ON TRACK SINCE YOU LAUNCHED VICTOR IN EUROPE
TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO?
Frankly, there is very little that I do which meets my expectations.
The board has to keep reminding me that our quartly growth in sales
shows we are doing something right. Even I have to recognise just how far
we have come. But if we’re not trebling our revenue every year, then we are
not doing as well as we should!
FOLLOWING YOUR RECENT SERIES A FUNDRAISE, HOW ARE YOU
ADJUSTING TO AN ENLARGED SHAREHOLDER BASE?
We were oversubscribed for our Series A fund raiser. Now, with Andrew
Pisker joining the board alongside Guy Winterflood and Alex Sozonoff,
our Chairman, we have a formidable team. Our investors have incredible
track records and are not only backing us with money but also ideas and
experience. We’ll be looking for further investment as we expand into the
US later this year.
31
WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION FOR VICTOR?
To become the most trusted provider of jet charters, individuals, companies
and governments and our commitment to complete transparency. It’s no
secret that I want Victor to become as well-known globally as the marketleading fractional ownership brand, NetJets. We have a very different
customer proposition, but when someone thinks private jets, I want them
to say ‘Victor’ and think ‘fly smarter’.
To have the smartest consumer and platform technology and always
deliver exemplary customer service
If you become the global market leader, even with a conservative price
earnings multiple, you should be valued in excess of $1 billion – and that’s
my goal.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
32
VICTO R MAGAZIN E
T HE FLEET
R I G H T F L E E T, R I G H T P L A C E ,
RIGHT TIME
AS THE WORLD’S FOREMOST PROVIDER OF PRIVATE JET CHARTERS AND
EMPTY LEG BOOKINGS, VICTOR IS AT THE HEART OF THE
PRIVATE AVIATION INDUSTRY. THIS MEANS THEY ARE ABLE TO DRAW UPON A
VAST FLEET OF AIRCRAFT, CAPABLE OF FLYING CUSTOMERS TO THE FOUR CORNERS
OF THE GLOBE – ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. THEY ARE ALSO WELL
POSITIONED TO MONITOR, AND ADAPT TO, THE LATEST TRENDS IN THE
INDUSTRY, AND TO ADVISE THEIR DISCERNING MEMBERS AND OPERATORS ON
HOW TO FLY SMARTER.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
‘When Victor started, our most popular charters were short-haul leisure flights on light
jets,’ explains Mike Ryan, Victor’s Operations and Commercial Director. ‘Recently, however,
we’ve witnessed an upsurge in charters of fourteen-seater Gulfstreams, Falcons and
Globals, which are particularly suited to long haul business trips to destinations like Dubai
and the US.’
CONTROL AND FREEDOM
The pressure to compete more effectively in the global marketplace is driving businesses
to seek every possible advantage and this is reflected in the resurgent private jet market.
As well as travelling further, people are also looking for ways to land closer to their final
destination, to save time and improve efficiency. The freedom of chartering a private jet
makes this possible.
It isn’t just about making better use of the many hours they spend in the air. People
are now turning their attention to saving time by arriving on time for their meetings
or business dinners, and leaving straight after, rather than wasting hours waiting for a
commercial departure.
33
VICTO R MAGAZIN E
T HE FLEET
A FLEET THAT SPANS ALL FIVE CONTINENTS
This drive towards increased efficiency unites Victor’s
5,000 members with over 100 aircraft operators and
their fleet of 750 aircraft – ranging from King Air turbo
props to Boeing 767s with a pair of twin beds and a luxury
bathroom. Around 90 per cent of the fleet are owned by
private individuals and corporates, who offset ownership
costs by appointing an operator to charter out their aircraft
through Victor. The fleet currently spans Europe, Far East,
Middle East, South Africa, South America, Russia and now
has expanded to North America; so Victor’s members can
travel widely throughout all five continents.
‘We can find an aircraft to suit even the most demanding
travel requirements,’ says Ryan. ‘We have a highly
experienced in-house team with the expertise to find our
members the right aircraft at the right price. We cater for
every aspect of our clients’ requirements and ensure we
match the capabilities of the aircraft to the specific flight
logistics of their charter - it’s how we’ve earned the respect
of members, operators and owners alike.’
As a result Victor has established a new benchmark in
both customer expectation and service levels within the
private aviation industry.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
CHOICE AND TRANSPARENCY
Victor’s online marketplace connects you directly to over 100 contracted and approved charter
operators across the globe, offering complete transparency and access to their fleet of aircraft,
including age, actual pictures and floor plans of aircraft, terms of carriage, air operating certificate and
passenger liability insurance. Capacity ranges from the smallest turbo prop to the ultra long range
Gulfstreams, Boeing 767s and Boeing Business Jets.
CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED AIRCRAFT OPERATOR
Catreus
(London Biggin Hill)
Flyjet
(Warsaw)
Luxwing Ltd
(Malta)
Starwings Luftfahrt-ges GmbH
(Dortmund)
Cello Aviation
(Birmingham)
Fort Aero
(Tallinn)
Lyon Aviation
(Pittsfield)
Stuttgarter Flugdienst
(Stuttgart)
Centreline
(Bristol)
Fortune Air
(Johannesburg)
MACH Airlines
(Frankfurt)
Sur Aviation
(Madrid)
ChallengeLine LS GmbH
(Augsburg)
German Private Jet Group
(Dusseldorf)
Masterjet
(Paris Le Bourget)
Swift Flite
(Johannesburg)
Charter Jets, UAB
(Vilnius)
Gestair Private Jets
(Madrid)
MHS Aviation GmbH
(Munich)
Sylt Air H
(Sylt)
Cinco Air Charter
(Toronto)
Global Flight Solutions
(London Biggin Hill)
MJets
(Bangkok)
Synergy Aviation
(Fairoaks)
Classic Jet
(Vilnius)
GlobeAir
(Linz)
Mountain Aviation
(Denver)
Tarkim Aviation
(Istanbul)
Deer Jet
(Beijing)
GMR Aviation Pvt Ltd
(Bangalore)
NasJet
(Riyadh)
Tradewind Aviation
(St Barths)
Dexter
(Moscow)
Grafair
(Stockholm)
National Jets Inc
(Fort Lauderdale)
Transavia
(Speyer)
Diamond-Executive Aviation
(Gamston)
Hangar8
(Oxford)
North Flying
(Aalborg)
Ultimate Jets Europe
(Chester)
Doysa Air
(Istanbul)
Hendell Aviation Oy
(Helsinki)
Omni Aviacao
(Lisbon)
Unijet – part of Luxaviation
Group (Paris)
DragonFly
(Cardiff)
Hesnes Air
(Oslo)
Opera Jet
(Bratislava)
Valair Private Jets
(Lisbon)
E-Aviation
(Stuttgart)
Hyperion Aviation Ltd
(Malta)
Pegasus Elite Aviation
(Los Angeles)
VistaJet
(Vienna)
Elite Jet
(Johannesburg)
Jet Edge International
(Los Angeles)
Premium Jet
(Zürich)
WaltAir
(Stockholm)
Euro Link GmbH
(Munich)
Jetflite
(Helsinki)
Prime Jet
(Los Angeles)
Williams Aviation
(Chester)
Europ Star Aircraft GmbH
(Klagenfurt)
Jet Fly
(Linz)
Princely Jets
(Dubai)
Worldwide Jet
(New York)
Execujet (UK) Limited
(Cambridge)
Jet-Link
(Zürich)
Privajet
(London Stansted)
Xcel Jet Management
(Dallas)
Exklusiv Aviation Services
(London Luton)
JetNetherlands
(Amsterdam)
SaxonAir
(Norwich)
Xclusive Jet Charter Ltd
(Southampton)
Asia Jet
(Hong Kong)
Fairjets – part of Luxaviation
Group
(Paderborn)
JoinJet
(Billund)
Silk Way Business Aviation
(Baku)
Zar
(Buenos Aires)
ASL NV/BV
(Brussels)
Fare-Share Ltd
(Philadelphia)
JOTA Aviation
(Southend)
Silver Cloud Air
(Speyer)
Zenair LLC
(New York)
Avcon Jet AG
(Vienna)
Finesse Executive Ltd
(London Stansted)
Korean Air
(Seoul)
SkyNight LLC
(Greeneville)
Zenith Aviation
(London Biggin Hill)
Aviation Beauport
(Jersey)
FlairJet
(Oxford)
Livingston Executive
(Rome)
SkyWork Executive
(Geneva)
Zenith Air Charter
(Johannesburg)
B-Air Charter GmbH & Co KG
(Stuttgart)
FlexFlight
(Roskilde)
London Executive Aviation
(London Stapleford)
Sonnig SA
(Geneva)
Blink Ltd
(London Blackbushe)
Flightpath Charter Airways
(Toronto)
Longtail Aviation
(Bermuda)
Speedwings Business SA
(Geneva)
Bluelink Jets
(Lidköping)
Fly Comlux
(Zurich)
Luxaviation Group
(Luxembourg)
STAjets
(Los Angeles)
Abelag – part of Luxaviation
Group
(Brussels)
Advance Aviation
(Bangkok)
AC Aviation Charter
(Zurich)
ACM Air Charter
(Baden-Baden)
Aero Safin SA de CV
(Guadalajara)
Air Alsie
(Sønderborg)
Air Charter Scotland
(London Luton)
Air Charters, Inc.
(New York)
34
AirGo
(Mainz)
VICTO R M AGA Z IN E
O P ERATO RS
Air Hamburg
(Hamburg)
Airlink
(Salzburg)
Air Independence
(Munich)
Air Turks and Caicos
(Providenciales)
Air X
(Salzburg)
Amira Air
(Vienna)
Arcus Executive Aviation
(London Luton)
Argentina Jets
(Buenos Aires)
Arkasair
(Izmir)
Victor continues to add new aircraft operators every week from around the world to its online marketplace. Victor’s aim is to extend the range and choice
of aircraft to its members and provide a genuinely transparent quote comparison, booking and financial settlement service, with a promise to only hold
client monies in its client deposit account administered by HSBC Bank.
Please visit the operator pages on our website for updated aircraft listings: www.flyvictor.com/aircraft-operators
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Offering you the choice of over 750 aircraft available for charter across the
world capable of flying your boardroom or entourage non-stop from New York to
Moscow or the family to your villa in Tuscany
17
56 188 56
HEAD OF STATE
ULTRA LONG RANGE
LONG RANGE
SUPER MID SIZE
AIRBUS CORPORATE JET,
BOEING BUSINESS JET,
BOEING 767,
FALCON 7X,
GLOBAL 5000,
GLOBAL EXPRESS,
GULFSTREAM G550
GULFSTREAM 300,
GULFSTREAM G450,
GULFSTREAM III, GULFSTREAM IV,
GULFSTREAM V, LEGACY 600,
FALCON 2000, FALCON 900,
CHALLENGER 604,
CHALLENGER 605,
CHALLENGER 850
GULFSTREAM G200,
CHALLENGER 300,
FALCON 50,
HAWKER 1000,
CITATION SOVEREIGN,
CITATION X
MID SIZE
LIGHT
VERY LIGHT
TURBO PROP
LEARJET 45, LEARJET 55,
LEARJET 60, HAWKER 750,
HAWKER 850, HAWKER 900,
CITATION III, CITATION EXCEL,
CITATION XLS, IAI ASTRA SPX
PIAGGIO AVANTI, BEECHJET 400A,
CITATION BRAVO, CITATION ENCORE,
CITATION CJ1, CITATION CJ2,
CITATION CJ3, CITATION CJ4,
CITATION II, CITATION V,
CITATION VI, CITATION VII,
LEARJET 35A, PHENOM 300,
PREMIER I, HAWKER 400XP
CITATION MUSTANG,
PHENOM 100
DIAMOND DA42,
EMBRAER 120,
KING AIR 90,
KING AIR 200,
KING AIR 350,
PILATUS PC-12**
SENECA V
16
OTHER
BAE 146
DORNIER 328
** St Barths commuter flights
CERTIFICATION NOTE
Victor is licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority for ATOL Licence 10378 and is a
member of BACA (Baltic Air Charter Association), EBAA (European Business Aviation
Association) and RUBAA (Russian United Business Aviation Association)
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E
AIRC RFAT
82
35
133 150 52
ADVERTISING FEATURE
1
VICTO R M AGA Z IN E
O P ERATO R BENEFI T S
FLY SMARTER
www.flyvictor.com
London: +44 (0)207 384 8550
Frankfurt: +49 (0)69 6655 4125
Moscow: +7 (0)499 255 1793
[email protected]
Head Office: 522 Fulham Road, London SW6 5NR, United Kingdom
Victor is approved by the CAA for ATOL Licence 10378