Veteran Private Aviation Executive, Marine Eugène, To Lead Continued Expansion Of Flexjet In Europe

Flexjet has officially opened Flexjet House, a global experience center and office in London’s Mayfair neighbourhood, home to some of the world’s most respected brands and businesses. The location is an integral step in Flexjet’s European expansion, which has seen travel to, from and within Europe grow more than 44 percent in 2019, year over year.

“In recent history, we have seen other private jet travel providers entering, and just as quickly leaving, the European market. Flexjet, however, has taken the time to understand the nuances of the market, carefully gaining operational experience, recruiting the finest talent and making the strategic acquisitions we need to become the finest provider of private jet travel in Europe.” said Flexjet Chief Executive Officer Michael Silvestro. “The opening of our new London storefront, and the addition of a proven veteran such as Marine Eugène as European Managing Director, demonstrates the depth of our commitment to the market.”

An experienced aviation executive, Eugène has a proven track record in growing companies. She joined NetJets Europe in 2002, when the company’s presence on the continent was at an embryonic stage. She was instrumental in orchestrating the expansion of their sales organisation after the economic crises of 2009 and 2011, successfully launching new fleets and program options. In 2011, Eugène became a member of that company’s European-wide executive leadership, with responsibility for the overall management of the company’s relations with senior executives and ultra-high net worth individuals. Eugène is among an increasing number of former NetJets executives deciding to join Flexjet in its reinvention of the private aviation industry.

“Flexjet has spent the past three years laying the proper foundation to become a force in European private aviation,” said Eugène. “This foundation, including our new Flexjet House in Mayfair, has us well-positioned to execute on a dynamic growth strategy. We end 2019 with the building blocks in place, and look forward to 2020, a year in which you will see our European presence truly take flight.”

The newly opened Flexjet House in London will allow prospective Flexjet Owners to gain a fuller sense of Red Label by Flexjet. This premium offering bridges the gap between traditional fractional ownership programs and whole-aircraft ownership through unique features such as flight crews dedicated to a single, specific aircraft, access to the world’s newest fleet and exclusive, custom cabin interiors featured in their LXi Cabin Collection™.

In addition, the facility will provide Flexjet Owners with a London home base, including offices and conference rooms they can use when in central London, a refuge in which to relax and grab a cup of tea or a cocktail, among other amenities. The level of convenience, comfort and service provided to Flexjet Owners at this experience center is similar to that of the Flexjet-Exclusive Private Terminals in the United States, except located in the heart of London – one of the world’s biggest financial hubs.

Flexjet has been expanding its global footprint over the past few years, first acquiring a United Kingdom operating certificate through the acquisition of Flairjet Ltd. that enables Flexjet to operate not only within the U.K. but also on the Continent. In addition, Flexjet acquired a global operating certificate via its partnership with Milan, Italy-based Sirio S.p.A.

“Our new physical presence in central London is only the latest step in our European expansion,” added Eugène. “In the coming year, we expect to make further announcements about our European expansion, including the acquisition of new aircraft and new programs to expand access for European-based customers who surely will gravitate to the Flexjet Red Label experience.”

In addition to the space in London, Flexjet officially opened its European Tactical Control Centrer north of London near Luton Airport. The European footprint also includes a maintenance facility at Milan Linate Airport in Italy. The Tactical Control Center was modeled after Flexjet’s operations control center at its Global Headquarters in Cleveland, OH, USA, which drew its inspiration from the NASA Mission Control in Houston, Texas.

(Image provided with Flexjet news release [L-R] Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci, Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro, Flexjet European Managing Director Marine Eugène)

FMI: www.flexjet.com