Life in eight questions: Paul Jebely
‘A life less ordinary, filled with stories worth telling’
Paul Jebely used to dream of becoming an international aviation lawyer. Now, as partner and vice chair, international at Sterlington and chairperson, The Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation, he reflects on realising that dream.
Life in eight questions: Paul Jebely
‘A life less ordinary, filled with stories worth telling’
Paul Jebely used to dream of becoming an international aviation lawyer. Now, as partner and vice chair, international at Sterlington and chairperson, The Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation, he reflects on realising that dream.
How did you get into business aviation?
I stumbled into private aviation much like how you find yourself in the best kind of bar – by accident, but realising it was exactly where I was meant to be.
What did you want to do as a child?
Growing up, I had wild dreams, but they – the ones appropriate to discuss here – were always in aviation. One week I wanted to be a pilot like my father. The next, an ‘international aviation lawyer’ before I even knew what it was. Indeed, I recall sneaking into a club with my friends at the age of 17 and telling a woman that I met that I was an ‘international attorney’. Turned out that she worked at a law firm. Asked about my practice area, I replied “aviation”. Asked where I was based, I replied “The Hague” (we had just heard of The Battle of The Hague in my high school history class). My leather high school football jacket (replete with a giant C on the front for captain) betrayed my age some days later. I was obviously then obliged by the universe to spend the next 26 years of my life correcting those gaps in my resumé. Manifesting one’s aspirations, no matter how goofy, is key. But at the heart of it all, I was determined to live a life less ordinary, filled with stories worth telling.
What advice would you give to your younger self and would you have taken it?
Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire. But, knowing my younger self, he wouldn’t listen. He’d smile, nod and then go out and make the same mistakes anyway. And you know what? That’s okay. The best lessons are learned from the worst missteps.
What was your best business decision?
My best business decision was trusting my gut when everyone else told me to play it safe. Whether it was taking a calculated risk on a deal or choosing a path less travelled, the moments I followed my instincts have always been the ones that paid off the most.
Secret admirer: Paul Jebely loves the B21 Raider, which turns heads but keeps people guessing. Photo: Northrop Grumman
Is business aviation in the climb, the cruise, or the descent and why?
We are in a shallow climb at present. The world is more connected, yet paradoxically, more fragmented than ever. Business aviation bridges those gaps. As long as there are people chasing dreams across continents, business aviation will keep soaring and I will remain gainfully employed.
How do you relax?
One way I relax is by getting lost in the chaos of a new place – no itinerary, no reservations. I’ll find a local dive, order whatever’s on the menu and just soak in the atmosphere. It’s about connecting with the raw, unfiltered essence of wherever I am. And when I’m not on the move, it’s a simple meal with people who understand that good food, good drink, and good conversation are all you really need. Sometimes relaxation is about diving deeper into the world around you, not escaping it.
What's your favourite aircraft and why?
Right now, it’s the incredible B21 Raider. Imagining a private jet variant of the B21 Raider would be the ultimate blend of form and function – a sleek, covert, high-performance machine that could redefine luxury travel. Just picture it: cruising at altitude in something that not only turns heads but leaves them guessing…
Tell us a secret about business aviation?
I have an unmatched, rarefied clientele that includes dozens of multi-billionaires around the world – men and women who are the builders of fortunes, architects of empires and influencers on a planetary scale. I have forgotten more secrets about private aviation in the last month than most come to know in a career.
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