Since joining Air Partner as Executive Vice President for Group Charter and Cargo in June 2024, Jon Corbi has drawn on over a decade’s worth of experience in the aviation and logistics industries to drive air charter group sales, build strong client relationships, and uphold our commitment to excellence, all of which he does with unwavering focus.
Jon is supported by an impressive team of industry-leading experts, and collectively, their deep understanding of the MICE sector has positioned Air Partner as a go-to provider for top planners, buyers, and businesses worldwide. And they’re just getting started.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Jon to gain insight into why incentive travel is such a valuable strategy, learn how charter solutions can tackle the challenges facing planners and buyers, and explore what he believes distinguishes Air Partner in this market.
What is it about the travel industry that has kept you hooked over the past decade?
“To this day, I remember the excitement of the first flight I ever took, which was from Baltimore to Orlando when I was eight years old. I’ve been on over 1,000 flights since then and still get excited to travel. Whether you’re boarding a plane to go and close a deal, visit with a friend, or take a weekend trip, air travel means something is important enough to spend your time and money on. For me, that excitement also translates to the commercial side of the business, and once travel is in your blood, it’s almost impossible to leave the industry.”
Tell us a bit about what drew you to Air Partner?
“With over 60 years of experience, 24 global offices, and unrivaled industry relationships, Air Partner is renowned for being one of the longest-running, safest, and most respected names in private aviation. But for me, what really sets it apart is the company culture. I’m a true believer that if you can create the secret sauce that empowers and rewards employees and creates an environment where your team thrives, your customers will be rewarded with world-class service delivered by professionals who truly care.
At Air Partner, it’s not just about getting our customers from A to B - it’s about creating seamless, bespoke solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals alike. Every client’s journey feels grounded in expertise, genuinely cared for, and completely unique, all at the same time.
Which aspects of working with the MICE industry do you find most fulfilling?
"What I enjoy most is the chance to work with companies that are genuinely invested in their people. Every day, we support organizations that foster inclusivity, strive to strengthen company culture, and celebrate their top performers, and what’s not to love about that?
The variety in the sector is also one of the most exciting aspects. No two charters are ever the same. One day, we might coordinate a trip for a tech pioneer heading to South America with 100 delegates, and the next, we’re working with an insurance firm or medical provider to organize an exclusive charter to Europe with 15 guests. With Air Partner’s global reach, we transform these complex challenges into expertly managed charter solutions of the very highest standard, time after time, and it’s always hugely rewarding.”
Why is incentive travel so vital to a company’s success?
“What makes incentive travel so worthy of investment is its ability to deliver both hard and soft power benefits. On the one hand, it offers clear, measurable outcomes - such as increased sales, greater market share, and direct ROI - which have historically been the main drivers for prioritizing incentive travel as a key strategy. However, in recent years there’s also been a growing emphasis on the soft power benefits, including aspects like promoting employee wellbeing, boosting loyalty, and providing a unique platform for innovation and inspiration. In fact, an Incentive Travel Index (ITI) study found that 63% of companies now place greater importance on these soft power benefits, recognizing that engaged employees stay with the company and fuel long-term sustained performance. What I love about this shift is its strong message - that employees are valued and worth investing in, and ultimately that’s what takes a business forward.”
In our increasingly interconnected world, is bringing people together still paramount?
“Absolutely. While technology enables us to stay connected across countries and continents, it lacks the depth of face-to-face interaction. So much so that uniting a dispersed workforce has become one of the prime motivators for senior leaders investing in incentive travel. I've observed firsthand how these events facilitate knowledge transfer, foster deep connections, and spark collaboration in ways that virtual meetings simply can’t match. Incentive travel, and MICE travel in general, is becoming an increasingly powerful solution for global businesses looking to boost engagement and growth across borders.”
What would you say are the biggest concerns for planners and buyers of incentive travel for 2024/2025, and how does Air Partner address these critical concerns?
“The Incentive Travel Index (ITI) recently revealed that 85% of buyers are finding it increasingly difficult to meet senior leadership expectations due to reduced airlift and hotel availability, while 75% feel that planning and delivering incentive trips has become more challenging. This is supported by an Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) study that found transportation is the 3rd biggest concern for MICE planners.
At Air Partner, we are perfectly placed to address this. Firstly, we solve the airlift and transportation issue by guaranteeing top-quality private jet and group charter solutions worldwide, regardless of group size or the start and end locations. By accessing private airports closer to your destination and offering full control over your schedule, we ensure flexibility, convenience, and a truly elevated service.
Secondly, we take the stress out of the planning. Our expert teams coordinate intricate schedules, streamline airport procedures, handle last-minute changes, and address specific needs - from catering to aircraft customization. With dedicated account managers and 24/7/365 support, we ensure flawless execution, giving planners peace of mind while delivering a travel experience that exceeds the highest expectations.”
How can Air Partner work with planners and buyers to solve transportation concerns to top incentive destinations?
“We work closely with North American planners and buyers, and for many of them, the Caribbean is still a hard-to-beat destination – and for good reason! With its lavish resorts, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, it's sure to charm even the most discerning attendees. However, getting there can be a logistical headache when relying on commercial flights. Even major hubs like Miami International or JFK only offer 1 or 2 flights per day to the most popular islands, and they often don’t align with planners’ schedules or have enough seats to accommodate entire groups.
As commercial flights can’t access smaller, private airports, it often means taking a less convenient route and spending a lot of time on transfers. Delays can also be especially costly in the Caribbean as many islands rely on connecting boat transfers. So that’s why Air Partner’s group charter offering is invaluable - we harness our wealth of industry relationships to get you as close as possible to your end destination, on your schedule, and all together. No wasted time, no missed connections, no stress – just seamless travel solutions that set the tone for an unforgettable experience.”
What is the budget breakdown for incentive travel programs, and can Air Partner support savings?
“Air travel typically represents around 20% of the overall spend. With this being no small part of the budget, it always surprises me when there isn’t more emphasis on making the journey part of the reward. I like to think of it as the opening and closing bookends of an experience - it can build excitement, or it has the potential to put a dampener on the whole trip. This is why chartering private aircraft makes so much sense, especially for luxury incentive getaways.
When it comes to savings, the largest saving charter offers is in time, and many often overlook how this can directly translate into financial benefits. By using FBOs, there are no long TSA lines, no congested terminals, and no shuttles. You can arrive just before your flight and be taken straight to the aircraft, instantly saving hours on both legs of the journey. By flying directly to the airport closest to your end destination, you also cut out supplementary travel costs and lengthy transfers that eat into time and budget. And, by arriving all together at the most convenient hour, you can kick off your itinerary right away, rather than having to factor in delays or wait for latecomers. This can easily save anywhere from half a day to an entire night’s accommodation costs.”
How does Air Partner redefine exclusivity from a transportation standpoint?
“Details make the difference, and our goal is to turn every flight into a memorable part of the reward. As well as the comfort and ease of private terminals, VIP lounges, and top-spec aircraft, we elevate the experience with our wealth of customization options. Whether it’s branded check-in desks and headrests, bespoke catering, tailored in-flight entertainment, or signature cocktails that tie into your event’s theme, all these little touches make a big impression.
The exclusivity Air Partner provides is more than just luxurious amenities – although there are always plenty of those - it’s about the trust customers can place in us, the level of service and laser-like precision we offer, and the ability to turn even the smallest detail into an opportunity to exceed expectations. As a business, we understand there is no room for error or delays, so our expert team meticulously plans, checks, and double-checks every detail to ensure your event runs smoothly, safely, and on time. I believe the peace of mind that comes from that is the greatest luxury we afford planners and buyers.
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Jon. If you’d like to learn more about our Group Charter offering, discuss your MICE travel requirements, or get a competitive quote, please get in touch with us/Jon on the details below.
