We firmly believe that Victor is, at its core, a people business. It’s our team—individuals who not only excel in their roles but also contribute to our inclusive and thriving culture—that enables us to deliver on our mission to become the world’s leading on-demand charter company.
In this feature, we shine a spotlight on Michela Buccioni, Senior Sales Manager at Victor. Below, Michela shares her experiences at Victor so far and offers insights into what it’s like to work in a client-facing role within a highly exclusive luxury sector.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself…
Born and raised in Rome, Italy, I initially pursued a career in Law but soon discovered it wasn’t my true path. In 2013, I moved to Miami to improve my English and worked as a restaurant director, gaining valuable experience in customer service, a skill that later proved essential in my career.
In July 2014, I moved to Dubai and began my career in commercial aviation with Emirates. Over the course of six years, I advanced to a senior position, gaining valuable industry knowledge. This experience laid the groundwork for my transition to corporate aviation in 2020.
In corporate aviation, I worked as a Flight Attendant specialising in private jet services for High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI). My role involved delivering seamless, end-to-end travel experiences by managing every detail of the journey from initial consultation and flight planning to overseeing catering and ensuring that every aspect met the client’s expectations. This required a strong understanding of luxury service, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to build lasting relationships with clients while ensuring the highest standards in every part of the experience.
This experience has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to work closely with discerning clients, understanding their unique needs, and tailoring every flight to provide unparalleled service. It has also strengthened my ability to manage complex logistics, ensuring every aspect of private aviation runs flawlessly.
2. What inspired you to join Victor and the private jet charter industry?
In March 2024, I joined Victor as a Senior Sales Associate.
What inspired me to join Victor, and the private jet charter industry was the opportunity to combine my passion for aviation with the chance to deliver personalised, luxury travel experiences. Having worked extensively in commercial and corporate aviation, I was drawn to Victor’s innovative approach and its focus on client-centric service, which aligns perfectly with my professional values.
Victor’s reputation for transparency and its commitment to climate action also resonated with me. I saw it as a chance to not only grow in my career but to be part of a team setting new standards in the industry. The dynamic and fast-paced nature of private jet chartering, coupled with the opportunity to work closely with HNWIs and tailor every journey to their needs, makes this field incredibly rewarding. Joining Victor was the ideal way to bring my skills and passion for excellence to a company that’s shaping the future of private aviation.
3. Can you share a memorable experience or standout moment from your career so far?
One of the most memorable episodes in my career as a charter broker occurred when I was tasked with arranging a last-minute flight for a high-net-worth individual (HNWI) who was at risk of missing an important connecting flight. The client was in a remote location, and the scheduled commercial flight options had been delayed, leaving them with only two hours to reach the airport in time to catch their connection.
With little time to spare, I quickly mobilized, assessing the available aircraft in the region and coordinating with operators to secure the fastest possible solution. Given the urgency of the situation, we sourced a jet within close proximity, rearranging all logistics to ensure an expedited departure.
Despite the tight timeline, we managed every aspect of the process, from securing ground support to arranging for the necessary clearances. I kept the client updated with real-time information, ensuring their comfort and confidence. In just under two hours, the aircraft was airborne, and the client was able to arrive at their airport on time, making the connection without any stress or inconvenience.
This experience highlighted just how agile and responsive the private aviation industry can be when addressing time-sensitive challenges. The speed at which we can adapt to unforeseen situations and provide tailored solutions is something that sets this industry apart. It was a powerful reminder of why I’m so passionate about what I do – offering clients not just convenience, but peace of mind in critical moments.
4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a private jet charter for the first time?
Chartering a private jet can be an exciting and efficient way to travel, but it’s important to approach it with the right expectations. My advice for first-time clients is to prioritize clear communication with your charter broker. Be upfront about your specific needs, whether it’s regarding the destination, schedule, preferred amenities, or any special requests you might have. This allows us to find the best aircraft and tailor the experience to meet your expectations.
Additionally, understand that private aviation is about more than just luxury – it’s about flexibility, convenience, and timesaving. The beauty of private jet chartering is that we can work around your schedule, avoid the stress of commercial airports, and ensure that you arrive refreshed and on time.
Familiarizing with the various aircraft types and their capabilities is invaluable. Understanding these options allows for selecting the most suitable aircraft for any journey, optimizing both comfort and efficiency.
Since each trip is unique, being informed about what’s available enhances the overall travel experience by aligning the aircraft choice with specific needs and preferences.
5. What are some common misconceptions about private jet charter that you’d like to address?
A common misconception is that private jet chartering is only for the ultra-wealthy and always expensive. In fact, private jet travel is becoming more accessible, with options like Victor Deals, empty legs, and smaller aircraft providing more affordable choices. Another misconception is that the charter process is complex. With a dedicated Account Manager, the process is much simpler and more efficient, offering you a personalised, hassle-free experience.
At Victor, our brokers are supported by a 24/7 Flight Management team, ensuring that even the most time-sensitive requests are managed seamlessly. This round-the-clock support allows you to focus on business or leisure while we handle the logistics, providing a level of personalised service that is unmatched in the industry.
6. If you could fly with Victor to anywhere in the world, what aircraft would you choose, which destination and why?
If I could fly with Victor to anywhere in the world, I would choose a remote destination like French Polynesia or an island in the Pacific. Having travelled extensively in my previous career, I appreciate the value of visiting places that offer both tranquillity and unparalleled natural beauty.
For the journey, I would select the Gulfstream G700. With its long-range capabilities and luxurious cabin, the G700 provides exceptional comfort and efficiency for long-haul flights, making it the ideal choice for reaching these remote locations. The aircraft’s spacious interiors and advanced technology ensure a smooth and restful experience throughout the trip.
7. What’s the most unique request you’ve fulfilled for a client?
One of the most unique requests I fulfilled as a charter broker involved organizing a time-sensitive trip from Indonesia to Palau for a client attending an exclusive yacht event. The client had a very tight schedule and needed to arrive in the afternoon, attend the event, and then depart immediately afterward.
To meet this request, we sourced a Gulfstream G450, which provided the right balance of range and comfort for the journey. Given the remoteness of Palau, we coordinated a private airstrip for a smooth landing, minimizing delays. Upon arrival, a luxury yacht was waiting at the dock to take the client directly to the event, ensuring they arrived on time.
This experience highlighted the flexibility and efficiency of private aviation, demonstrating how we can cater to highly specialized, time-sensitive requests with seamless logistics and personalized service.
8. What are your personal goals or aspirations within the private jet charter industry?
Within Victor, my goal is to continually contribute to the company’s growth by delivering exceptional service to our high-net-worth clients. As private aviation demand in the MENA region increases, I believe Victor is well-positioned for significant growth, especially with the rising need for personalized, exclusive solutions.
I aim to take on a leadership role where I can further drive growth, cultivate strong client relationships, and strengthen Victor’s standing as a leader in private aviation. I am dedicated to playing an active role in the team’s efforts, focused on delivering exceptional service and helping the company continue to thrive.
To request a private jet charter with Michela email: Michela.Buccioni@flyvictor.com
For the Abu Dhabi office email: Sales@flyvictor.ae
For the UK team email: Sales@flyvictor.com