How did you get into business aviation?

When I was a little boy, I spent a lot of time drawing planes and sailing boats. I was inspired by travel and always had a hunger to discover new horizons and new people.

The first model aircraft I built was a Concorde. When I finished my university studies, it became obvious that I was going to join the aviation industry. After all these years, my passion for aviation is still intact. I am still excited by each take off.

What advice would you give to your younger self and would you have taken it?

My advice to myself would be to: dare even more. Although I have dared a lot during my life and have taken many risks, I could have taken even more risks.

Each time you climb a step, it opens up new horizons. Each step has been so exciting and has led me to where I am today. I enjoy so much where I am that I have no regrets about the past.

What was your best business decision?

I joined Airbus in 2003 and when, in 2007, the company created its own outfitting centre – the Airbus Corporate Jet Centre (ACJC) – I decided to join the adventure. Many Airbus colleagues were surprised at my decision, since this was at the very beginning of the venture.

Within ACJC, we had a fantastic team. This enabled us to move many boundaries and to develop the brand. Plus we delivered more than 20 VVIP cabins. That was the most complex mission I have ever faced – but what a great experience and a perfect step to become the president of AJC.

What was your worst business decision?

I hope there have not been too many. Not facing reality and not analysing an issue in a pragmatic way can always lead to the wrong decisions. Thanks to experience, you learn that each problem demands quick reactions, transparency with your clients and appropriate decisions – even if, sometimes, that is hard.

Is business aviation in the climb, the cruise or the descent and why?

Long-term climbing, short-term bumpy. Over the long term, the need to travel – whether for business or pleasure – is permanent, whatever a person’s wealth. If you look at the flight departure figures, whether for commercial airlines or private jets, both are already above pre-Covid values with more growth predicted.

In 2024, OEMs plan to deliver 670 new business jets, 100 more than in 2023, meaning that the market is active and the supply is starting to recover from the Covid effect. The pre-owned market is in transition, with a logical rebalancing taking place. After a creasy post Covid period, where inventory dropped to 2% and prices became irrational, the market is moving back to average levels.

The various geo-geopolitical tensions and elections are not helping to dispel the uncertainties. But this is not the first time our industry has faced bumpy times while also creating opportunities. And the long-term trend remains positive.

How do you relax?

Sports has always been my way to relax and it helps me to stay healthy. Golf and sailing are my favourites. I love rugby but do not play anymore. When my body is in good shape, my brain performs better. I also love sharing a nice dinner with friends, accompanied with a nice of glass of Bordeaux red wine and a cigar.

What’s your favourite aircraft and why?

If I must pick one, it would be Concorde. What a fantastic aircraft. It delivered so many technological breakthroughs that have served our industry during the following decades. I love Concorde’s shape and it’s one of the only commercial jets to fly above Mach 2 – offering the private jet experience.