In the Cabin with...Maria Bochman: Private Jets US Account Manager at Air Partner
For 60 years, our team of aviation professionals has gone above and beyond to create personalized charter experiences. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, our expert Private Jets team is available 24/7 to assist with all your charter requirements.
We are thrilled to interview Maria Bochman, who is an Account Manager for Private Jets US. With nineteen years of experience in the aviation industry, Maria is an expert in her field. Today, we will be discussing her most memorable charter experiences, her advice for companies and first-time charters, and her philosophy for providing exceptional customer service.
Can you tell us about your role at Air Partner?As a Charter Broker, my main role is to find the best aircraft that match my client's requirements. Once a trip is booked, I work closely with the trip support team to ensure that every aspect of the trip is taken care of. My top priority is to provide exceptional service to my clients to ensure that they keep coming back.
In addition to my duties as a Charter Broker, I also collaborate with our Sales Executives to attract new clients and help increase sales. I maintain strong relationships with my clients and often visit them to increase the company's profitability.
What key industries do you serve?As a Private Jets Account Manager, I oversee accounts for clients from different industries, such as investment brokerage firms, politicians (and former politicians), music entertainers, and many other high-net-worth individuals.
Why did you choose a career in aviation?
Prior to my career in aviation, I worked as an executive assistant. However, after having children, I realized that I needed a job closer to home to be able to spend more time with my kids. And there it was; I saw an advertisement for a new Part 135 company starting in Teterboro. The company promised to provide training to the right candidate for the entire business. I decided to take the chance and applied for the job. And now, 19 years later, here I am!
What year did you start working with Air Partner? I started working at Air Partner in March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. And after three years, I can confidently say that our greatest strength is the exceptional service we provide, as well as the camaraderie and experience of our team.
What do you enjoy most about working in aircraft charter?What I enjoy the most about working in aircraft charter is the people! I love providing great solutions to clients and building great relationships with each one of them.
What is your favorite aircraft and why?I actually love the Gulfstreams G650 because of their new, beautiful design and ultra-long range. They can even fly non-stop from Hong Kong to New York!
During your time spent working in aviation, what changes have you seen within Air Partner? I have witnessed some significant changes during my time at Air Partner. One of the most notable ones was the implementation of D365, which was made possible by our exceptional IT team. The program has continued to evolve and has significantly improved our work efficiency.
What is your philosophy for delivering exceptional service to your customers?
In my opinion, honesty is always the best policy. It's important to inform the client about the most suitable solutions for their needs, what they can anticipate, and any potential problems that may arise. Keeping them safe and happy with exceptional service is my goal every time so I can rest well at night, knowing that I've done my best.
What is your most memorable/and or challenging charter moment to date? I have had a very memorable experience from my early days in the aviation industry. It was during my time at the first operator I worked for when we were tasked to conduct flights from Guantanamo Bay to Australia in 2007 on behalf of the government in order to move an infamous individual. As the news of this charter was all over the media and since I had only been in the industry for three years at that point in time, I found it very exciting to see the context between the world of charter operations and how it fits into the bigger picture.
What specific advice do you have for companies looking to charter aircraft? It's important to remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best one. Safety and reliability should always be the top priority. With our years of experience in the industry, we can help you determine the best option for your needs. Just let us know what your end goal is, and we'll take it from there!
What advice would you give to anyone looking to charter an aircraft for the first time? As previously mentioned, it is important not always to choose the cheapest option but instead prioritize safety and reliability. The Air Partner Group offers access to a wide range of aircraft charter options through its global network, catering to various business and personal travel needs. Our focus on reliability and custom flight programs with guaranteed availability sets us apart in the private aviation industry. With our extensive experience, we can help suggest the best option that meets your specific requirements.
