NETJET, Flexjet Info from NBAA
10-09-2008, 07:22 AM
#1
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Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: B757/767
Posts: 16
NETJET, Flexjet Info from NBAA
Just returned from Orlando and the NBAA Convention. While there had the opportunity to speak with a president from Bombardier and two VPs from NETJET. In both companies/cases flights/revenue is down. Specifically Flexjet is in a downswing and hiring is stagnent. For NETJET the VPs said for now they can not tell what their hiring will be in 2009. Specifically they said the report of 400 new hires in 2009 is most likely not correct, in fact 'it could be only 40.' Only had a brief encounter with the president from Bombardier but spoke extensively with the NETJET VPs and was very impressed with their openness and professionalism. Both had started out as pilots for NETJET and now were involved with corporate management. Both acknowledged the downswing in economy has slowed down 'sales' and current owners are flying less. But both assured me that their company was financially strong, well backed, and still making money, just not at the rate and growth of last year. This is obvious to most of us I am sure.
Long story short, the economy is going to slow hiring in this and most 'bling' form of travels and at the NBAA, the mood was one of caution as everyone waits to see what is going to happen next.
Good luck out there and don't put all your eggs in one basket!
Long story short, the economy is going to slow hiring in this and most 'bling' form of travels and at the NBAA, the mood was one of caution as everyone waits to see what is going to happen next.
Good luck out there and don't put all your eggs in one basket!
10-09-2008, 10:24 AM
#3
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Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: B757/767
Posts: 16
Saw XOjet, others
Also saw XOJET at NBAA but they did not have a booth. They were there for the unveiling of their newest aircraft, the Challenger. No booth but a static display. Spoke to the pilot briefly at the jet but no 'news' concerning XOJET/hiring/future.
Saw no other 'fractional' organization but almost every FBO imaginable was represented in a booth as well as their charter operations, so possible hiring opportunities at each. Some of these organizations manage fleets > 14 jet aircraft and are quite busy, especially as individual companies opt out of exclusive owner operations. Also pilot 'head hunter' organizations were represented that contract out pilots to organizations needing short term pilots. Seem quite successful, but obvioulsy they only usually hire typed/experienced pilots.
Also at the evening socials sponsored by the major corporations, met pilots/operators of several major corporate flight departments, some of which had openings, mostly on the West coast. The networking potential at NBAA and the after hour parties is nothing short of incredible. Would highly recommend making one of these events if at all possible. It is obvious that finding a corporate job is not so much your qualifications but rather who/what you know. Small world and reputation is king!
NETJET had a large display with many representatives to speak to, mostly in regard to sales, but again, very friendly, courteous and professional. They indicated that the recruiting/training departments were getting back up to speed and that they had been literally jammed with applications.
As a side note and for what it is worth, if anyone out there is a former 121 pilot looking to transfer over to corporate/fractional, would recommend including in your cover letter/resume that you are very customer focused, outside of the ordinary and willing to go the extra mile for your clients, because the fact is YOU HAVE TO! Seems to be a general stigma attached with 121 operators trying to make the transition, for whatever reason(s) you can imagine.
Dos Centavos
Saw no other 'fractional' organization but almost every FBO imaginable was represented in a booth as well as their charter operations, so possible hiring opportunities at each. Some of these organizations manage fleets > 14 jet aircraft and are quite busy, especially as individual companies opt out of exclusive owner operations. Also pilot 'head hunter' organizations were represented that contract out pilots to organizations needing short term pilots. Seem quite successful, but obvioulsy they only usually hire typed/experienced pilots.
Also at the evening socials sponsored by the major corporations, met pilots/operators of several major corporate flight departments, some of which had openings, mostly on the West coast. The networking potential at NBAA and the after hour parties is nothing short of incredible. Would highly recommend making one of these events if at all possible. It is obvious that finding a corporate job is not so much your qualifications but rather who/what you know. Small world and reputation is king!
NETJET had a large display with many representatives to speak to, mostly in regard to sales, but again, very friendly, courteous and professional. They indicated that the recruiting/training departments were getting back up to speed and that they had been literally jammed with applications.
As a side note and for what it is worth, if anyone out there is a former 121 pilot looking to transfer over to corporate/fractional, would recommend including in your cover letter/resume that you are very customer focused, outside of the ordinary and willing to go the extra mile for your clients, because the fact is YOU HAVE TO! Seems to be a general stigma attached with 121 operators trying to make the transition, for whatever reason(s) you can imagine.
Dos Centavos
10-14-2008, 04:57 PM
#4
Line Holder
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Position: NWA Ramp/Private Pilot
Posts: 76
I was lucky enough to be able to spend a day there. Wish I could have gone all three! I covered just about all the static display, however, barely got to see 1/4 of the booths at the convention center. Simply amazing how much is involved with that. I can't wait to go next year!
Thx for the info on NetJets. I'd love to work for them one day (along with 20,000 other pilots lol) and am very interested in the company itself. Im starting to get real attracted to the business aviation world.
Thx for the info on NetJets. I'd love to work for them one day (along with 20,000 other pilots lol) and am very interested in the company itself. Im starting to get real attracted to the business aviation world.
10-15-2008, 10:55 PM
#5
New Hire
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Posts: 4
went to the convention for the first time for all three days and i couldnt believe how big it really was. as a senior aviation student, i felt like a fish out of water for the first day. met some really nice people and made some great connections. the corporate side is where its at for now
10-16-2008, 05:45 AM
#6
The NeverEnding Story
Joined APC: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,512
JS, are you a Sooner by chance?
My colleague and I bumped into a couple OU students during the General Session on Monday morning.
I wish my owner would have been able to come down, but I'm kind of glad he didn't so we didn't have to play "Keep the Principal away from the NJA booth" game...
My colleague and I bumped into a couple OU students during the General Session on Monday morning.
I wish my owner would have been able to come down, but I'm kind of glad he didn't so we didn't have to play "Keep the Principal away from the NJA booth" game...
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