Let’s Talk Budgets! Pro-tips on Budget Planning for Private Aviation
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As CFA’s we have an important task of making the aircraft presentable for our corporate guests. A task which may seem easy, but takes time, money, and a good plan. To make it all happen and come together some CFA’s are often given a budget from which to operate. As we all know it’s never easy to stick to a budget. However, as a CFA you have to make it happen, do it right, and all within the limitations given to you. So how do you stay within your budget and make it appeal to upscale guests who like champagne and caviar? Well we’ll show you how!
We do not just train Flight Attendants to work in Corporate Aviation, we train them to provide safety, service and hospitality to special guests who like champagne and caviar. We train Corporate Flight Attendants to provide service to affluent business persons who are accustomed to receiving deluxe superior service and hospitality, and who can afford it. Let’s keep in mind though that affording doesn’t mean frivolous spenders. In fact, many are frugal and like to see money spent wise. We often use the phrase in private aviation, “spend their money as if it were your own''. Spend moderately and be able to account for your purchases in your expense report. Attention to detail is essential. It’s important to show where the money went. It’s okay to run out to Walmart or Costco, and it’s okay to purchase Lalique when approved, but...
#1 is don’t have a Costco Mind Set. Quality over quantity always!
We’re always interested to talk to others in our field who know what guests are looking for, what owners/operators need, and what will help make a CFA be their best. Our goal is to help CFA’s become the best while meeting demanding needs of the clientele in Corporate Aviation. To find out more about what owners/operators think about Budgets we spoke to Luis A Cruz, CEO of Jetliv Aviation. We asked Luis what he’s experienced CFA's doing that is not required, but has appreciated the most with regards to budget and spending and here is what he said:
“We really appreciate the CFA’s bringing nice treats to the plane (flowers, Macaroons, etc). The Cockpit Crew doesn’t really take time to prepare those little details which make the difference to the passengers and to us.” Luis A. Cruz, CEO of Jetliv
When you're working as a crew morale is important. When you take time to plan a budget you have the time to plan the little extras that are not only meaningful to your guests, but to your crew as well. Which brings us to our…
#2 Budget pro-tip - You won’t always have the time, but when you do use it to troubleshoot in order to execute on demand. Draft an agenda for yourself and a plan of what you need to make the flight a success for you, the crew and your guests. Remember, they’re all counting on you! You need time to consider pax preferences and time to shop around. Whatever the guests request should be top of your list! You definitely want the best, and don’t want to be cheap, and you can find the best bargains when you take the time to plan. When you shop at the last minute you are forced to settle for what’s available and may miss an important item on your list.
One of the most important aspects of any job is communication. As a CFA you need to maintain good communication with your crew. Truth be told this is the one time when it’s okay to call . Which brings us to…
#3 Communicate, but don’t over communicate! Once you’ve trained and you’re ready to go show them you have what it takes. This is your chance! Make your list, check it twice, and then communicate to make sure you got it right and you got it covered. Keep in contact with operations, pilots, catering and the FBO so come show time everyone looks good.
“I think the most important qualities a CFA’s should have are Professionalism, Proactiveness, Creativity.” Luis A. Cruz, CEO of Jetliv
Our 4th pro-tip is of vital importance. Catering! What do they want? What do they need? How much will it cost? The best thing to do is start with a call to the preferred in-flight catering service. Let them know what you need and they’ll let you know the cost so that you can factor it into your budget. That is how much you set aside automatically to ensure the most important aspect of the entire flight, other than safety, is covered. Good food is of the essence!
Now for #5. Stay within the budget! They say it’s easy to shop on someone else’s dime, but it really isn’t. You want to make sure you got everything but leave a little wiggle room. You don’t want to skip out on the little gifts that give the flight that personal touch and please guests. This is why pro-tip #2 is paramount. Have a solid plan you can work from that allows you to be inventive and original yet stay within your budget. If you won’t take it from us, take it from Luis, who told us:
“As a 135 operator we always want to provide the best available while trying to stay within budget and never compromising the safety and comfort of the crew, because we all benefit from the company staying healthy and operating.”
As a CFA it’s up to you to bring it all together and make the flight a success. Expect a lot of pressure in the beginning, but if you have what it takes and have undergone training you’ll know exactly what to do. We asked Luis what he thinks is the most important thing for a CFA to consider and he feels CFA’s should be able to handle the cabin without having to ask for help and without having to interrupt the cockpit. Luis said “we (Pilots) need someone that can take care of most situations regarding the Pax and Cabin without telling us, and of course, know that in an emergency situation we can rely on a well trained, assertive, and professional help.” Now you’ve heard it from a professional and us here at VVIP, where we provide CFA’s with the kind of training they need to be successful in this industry. We hope you appreciate our pro-tips and our blog, Notes From The Sky. We also hope that you find them both helpful and that they give you the little extras you need to be successful too!
