PA Life talks to Alina Minaeva, Director of Private Charter at Volanteus, about the flexibility and whether benefits outperform costs of private charter flights when compared to scheduled commercial options…
With a degree in Business Management in Civil Aviation, Alina has built a careerย as a private jet broker and continues to advance in this role today handling clients throughout the world. Her hard work and dedication makes her a recognisable and respected name within the industry, both in Europe and the United States.
ย In 2020 she was accepted into the ACA NextGen Group and in 2022 she was appointed as the first female Chairperson of NextGen, inspiring young talent to progress within the industry. Alina also heads up Volanteusโ Sustainability Group and in 2023 completed the Executive Program at Imperial College London in the Sustainability Leadership Program.
When should an EA consider aircraft charter rather than commercial travel, and what problems does it typically solve?
Charter is worth considering when time, flexibility and privacy really matter. If an executive has a tight schedule, several meetings in one day, or needs to travel somewhere that is not easily served by commercial airlines, charter can make a real difference. One of the biggest advantages is time efficiency. Executives typically only need to arrive at the airport 20 to 30 minutes before departure, which is particularly valuable on busy days.
Private jets can also fly into smaller, dedicated airports that commercial airlines cannot use. A good example is London Northolt, which allows passengers to arrive much closer to central London and avoid the congestion of larger airports. On longer flights, the cabin can be set up to allow proper rest, including beds if needed, so executives arrive refreshed and prepared for meetings. There is also flexibility to adjust departure times if meetings finish early or overrun, which gives EAs far more control over the day and removes many of the usual frustrations of commercial travel.
Volanteus offers everything from private jets to helicopters and group air charter. How do you help EAs choose the right aircraft for each trip?
We start by understanding the full picture of the trip, with destination and passenger numbers being key factors. As a general guide, private jets are suitable for up to 19 passengers, helicopters can carry up to 9, and for groups of 20 or more, group air charter is usually the most practical solution. Where the passengers are flying also plays an important role, as range, airport access and runway requirements all influence the aircraft type.
From there, we look at the schedule, luggage, onboard requirements and budget. EAs do not need to worry about the technical details. We explain the options clearly and recommend the aircraft that best fits the trip and the people travelling, making the decision process as straightforward as possible.
Discretion and reliability are critical when booking for senior leaders. How does Volanteus ensure security, privacy and peace of mind?
Discretion and safety are central to how we operate. All passenger details and itineraries are handled carefully and confidentially, and we only work with vetted operators, experienced crews and trusted handling agents. Our operator selection process includes independent safety audits, strict aircraft and crew standards, and ongoing due diligence.
Wherever possible, we arrange private terminals and discreet airport processes to keep travel low profile. Our operations and flight care teams monitor every trip 24/7, so any changes or potential issues are identified and managed immediately. We can also coordinate helicopter transfers to align seamlessly with private jet arrivals and departures, which reduces exposure and keeps schedules running smoothly. For EAs, this provides reassurance that every aspect of the trip is being actively managed at all times.
Last-minute changes are part of an EAโs reality. How does your team handle urgent requests, tight timelines or complex itineraries?
We are very used to working at short notice. Our team is available around the clock and responds quickly when plans change. Whether it is a same-day departure, a last-minute route change or an additional stop, we focus on finding solutions and communicating clearly.
Alongside the broker managing the booking, our flight care team provides real-time monitoring throughout the journey. This allows us to react immediately to any changes or challenges and keep the EA informed without adding extra pressure. The aim is always to take the stress off the EA, especially in time-critical situations.
For international or multi-stop travel, how does charter simplify logistics compared to traditional airline bookings?
Charter significantly simplifies international and multi-stop travel. Instead of managing multiple airline tickets, connections and schedules, everything is handled in one place. Executives can fly directly into airports closer to their final destination, clear customs more efficiently, and adapt plans if needed.
For multi-stop trips, having the same aircraft and crew throughout saves time and reduces the risk of disruption. It also creates a much smoother experience overall, which is particularly helpful for EAs managing complex itineraries across different countries.
What should EAs expect from Volanteus in terms of service, communication and support from initial enquiry to wheels-down?
EAs can expect a highly responsive, hands-on service. From the initial enquiry, they will have a dedicated broker who understands their priorities and keeps communication clear and consistent. Alongside this, our 24-hour flight care team supports every trip, monitoring flights and managing details around the clock.
We take care of everything from aircraft sourcing and permits to catering and ground transport, while also adding thoughtful, personalised touches wherever possible. Our involvement continues until wheels-down and beyond, ensuring the journey is seamless, stress-free and fully aligned with expectations.
We are delighted to have Volanteus as a PA Life Recommended Supplier in our Business Travel section.
