In the Cabin with…
Carter Ortale: Sports Group Charter US Account Director at Air Partner
Delivering focused flight solutions is our forte. With over 60 years of experience in private aviation, Air Partner is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and reliable service you can trust for any of your air transport needs, no matter how urgent or complex. Our Group Charter experts accommodate chartered flights for groups of any size – handling any special requirements, including point-to-point travel logistics, aircraft customization, and safety and security measures for flight arrangements... Meet the team who go above and beyond to ensure an exceptional experience.
In this edition of 'In the Cabin with,' we are excited to introduce Carter Ortale, Sports Group Charter US Account Director at Air Partner. Carter shares his expertise on the unique benefits of private group charter, the intricate planning required for sports team travel, and his collaboration with athletic departments.
Can you tell us about your role at Air Partner?
I joined Air Partner in October 2024 as a Sports Group Charter Account Director. In my role, I have the pleasure of working closely with our clients from the moment they request a quote until their flight is successfully completed. This means I’m involved in every step of the aircraft chartering process—from issuing contracts, coordinating flight logistics, and overseeing operations at the airport. My priority is to ensure a comfortable experience for our clients throughout the entire process.
What key industries do you serve?
The Group Charter US team manages a diverse range of clients across multiple industries. My primary focus is on charter flights for sports teams and college athletic groups, but I also enjoy developing comprehensive charter solutions for a variety of clients.
Additionally, I have a strong background in the private jet sector, which equips me to assist with all aspects of recruitment and private travel.
Why did you choose a career in aviation?
As a child, I was always captivated by the world of travel, particularly airplanes and airports. This fascination led me to pursue a degree in aviation at Western Michigan Aviation School, where I spent four enriching years. Throughout my studies, I truly fell in love with the industry. It's a dynamic field that constantly offers new experiences and challenges— where creative problem-solving and customer satisfaction are always the goal!
What is your philosophy for delivering exceptional service to your customers?
I firmly believe that honesty and availability are crucial. I encourage my team to maintain transparency with our clients, ensuring we thoroughly analyze every aspect of their trip beforehand to sidestep any potential issues. Our focus is on being proactive rather than reactive, reflecting our dedication and experience in prioritizing our customers' needs. It's all about building trust and ensuring that our clients feel fully supported.
How do sports team charters differ from other types of charter travel in terms of planning and execution?
When it comes to chartering for sports teams, there’s a noticeable difference compared to other types of charter travel. From my experience, all charters require a careful approach to planning and logistics, but transporting a sports team involves an extra layer of attention to detail and expertise to ensure everything unfolds seamlessly.
Every team has its own unique preferences, which means we really focus on customizing the experience to fit their needs and expectations. For instance, if a team would prefer to go through screening at the stadium instead of at the airport, we can definitely make that happen. By doing this flight personalization, we help ensure a smoother and more efficient travel experience for everyone involved.
What are the advantages of chartering versus commercial travel for sports teams?
Chartering flights for college sports teams offers several significant advantages, with time efficiency at the top of the list. By customizing flight schedules to align with the team’s practice and game times, we ensure a smooth travel experience. One major benefit is our ability to arrange flights immediately after games. This is particularly important since commercial flights are often unavailable during those hours. These private, remote, or executive airports are usually located much closer to the team’s destinations, which streamlines travel by eliminating layovers and overnight stays and avoiding traffic congestion. As a result, athletes arrive home promptly, allowing them to rest and prepare for practice the next day while also attending school without interruptions. This approach effectively maximizes their time both on the field and in the classroom.
Another key advantage of chartering aircraft is the exclusivity it provides. The teams can access private terminals and benefit from high-end fixed-base operator (FBO) services, creating a secluded environment where players and coaches can concentrate on their goals without distractions.
What are some valuable insights that you feel are important for college sports and athletic programs to consider?
I've observed that charter flights have become part of recruitment strategies for top school sports programs. The best teams have adopted the charter approach, flying in similarly to professional sports teams. I think it's fascinating to see how these practices enhance their operations and overall travel efficiency.
What are the most common requests from athletic directors when booking charters for their teams?
Key considerations typically include departure times, flexibility in scheduling, and robust fleet support.
At Air Partner, we pride ourselves on having one of the most extensive networks in the industry, which allows us to provide backup aircraft whenever necessary. Our commitment to exceptional customer service is highlighted by our dedicated Account Managers and our 24/7 Operations team. This means there is always more than one point of contact available to assist you whenever needed.
We understand that every team has unique requirements, and we're more than happy to accommodate individual and last-minute requests - the sky is the limit!
How do you manage high-demand travel periods for sports travel?
We maintain a balance during high-demand travel periods despite possible limited aircraft availability. Thanks to our extensive network, we effectively collaborate with various carriers and leverage our experience to navigate challenges.
Our operations team monitors aircraft movements 24/7, providing real-time updates to keep everyone informed and prepared for their trip. My priority is always clear communication and honesty.
What is your favorite aircraft and why?
I’ve always had a special love for the Boeing 757 and the McDonnell Douglas MD-11. Both aircraft have a remarkable presence on the ramp that truly stands out. Since they are approaching retirement, I make it a point to cherish every opportunity I have to spot or fly on one.
Tell us about your first charter.
In my first charter experience, I had the opportunity to fly my alma mater, Western Michigan University’s hockey team, to a game against North Dakota. It was quite a snowy day, and we were flying a fully loaded Embraer ERJ. Just as we were preparing for takeoff, we had to make a last-minute decision to change airports to use a longer runway. It taught me how to adapt quickly to ensure the team left safely and on time.
What is your most memorable/and or challenging charter moment to date?
Mechanical issues are among the most challenging aspects of our industry since travel is always time-sensitive. For instance, with sports charter, encountering problems late at night—especially after a loss—can be particularly frustrating.
That said, I’m proud of our experienced team and our 24/7 operations. We work closely with the carrier to resolve any issues while keeping our clients informed every step of the way. Simultaneously, we explore backup fleet options or source alternatives to ensure our clients return home as quickly and safely as possible. It's all part of delivering the best service, no matter the situation.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to charter an aircraft?
Whether you’ve chartered before or are considering an aircraft charter for the first time, my advice is to prioritize choosing a reputable company with experienced and trustworthy employees. It's essential to have confidence in the team you're working with, as they can significantly impact your overall experience. Take the time to understand the level of service being offered along with the specific details of the aircraft.
Price may be a key factor, but it must not be the sole basis for your decision. It is essential to understand what to expect in terms of comfort, safety, and values in order to make a well-informed choice.
Team up with Air Partner
If you would like to find out more about our aircraft charter solutions for college sports & athletics programs, please get in touch with Carter and the Group Charter team today.
