Business in private aviation is booming as it has transformed from private aviation being a luxury to an essential part of a lifestyle. Today, business aviation fits into a broader narrative around flexibility – in how people utilise their time and choose to travel to build and reinforce relationships.

GstaadLife talked to Stefano Albinati, CEO of Albinati Aeronautics, about private aviation and his connection to Saanenland and Gstaad.

What has been the most signficant change for you at Albinati Aeronautics in the last two years?
The pandemic has brought new customers to business aviation that previously had not travelled in a private jet. We saw a 70% increase in new customers who now have become regular users of business aviation. In fact, since 2021, we recorded a rise in flight requests which peaked in 2022. It was the highest number of movements in 20 years, also thanks to the addition of 4 new long-range aircraft to our fleet. We plan to continue our growth while remaining a family office offering the highest tailored service in business aviation.

You are involved in an exciting project; tell us more about it.
Time is running out, and we all have a role to play in the fight against climate change. Our actions, however small, can have a profound impact when combined with thousands of others wanting to make a difference. We are now involved in an alternative fuel project for business aviation. In doing so, we realised that our customers are quite willing to invest money in producing sustainable fuel because they are aware of the privilege they have flying on private jets.

Compared to other private jet companies in Gstaad, how do you distinguish yourself at Albinati?
Thanks to our fleet of over 25 aircraft under management and the diversity of our charter fleet, we are an independent operator that can face all our customer's requests internally, guaranteeing that they can always benefit from our services of excellence and safety on board our aircraft.

What time of the year is the most popular when flying with you to Saanenland?
Summer is, of course, the most popular time to land in Saanen as there are fewer weather restrictions and many exciting events for our clients to attend.

Our clients' connection in Gstaad is strong, and they appreciate the return of the Polo Gold Cup event. After two cancelled events due to the pandemic, the polo is back, and it was obvious to us that we would not miss such an opportunity to celebrate and share the return of this great event with all our customers.

As its organiser, Pierre Genecand, is a also longstanding friend of ours, it's therefore a great pleasure to be at his and his team's side for this special event. The polo cup quite an experience, and the atmosphere is incredible; a fantastic view of the field, the players and their horses, and the excited audience, with the mountains as a backdrop. There is nothing quite like it.

Mr Albinati, you are a pilot yourself; what plane do you enjoy flying the most, and why?
I enjoy flying my Extra 330LX aerobatic plane and try to find the time to enter as many competitions as possible. I am pleased to share my passion for aviation and aerobatics with anyone as passionate as I am, be they our customers, business partners, or our employees.

Flying aerobatics is essential training for a pilot from a security point of view. It allows you to stress yourself to the limits and discover the full potential of the aeroplane. Just a 15-minute flight gives me a great sense of joy that I find nowhere else.

Albinati Aeronautics will be at the upcoming Hublot Polo Gold Cup from 18 – 21 August at the VIP village, booth #5. You are invited to stop by for a drink or a coffee and to discover their latest dainty treats served on board. www.albinati.aero

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