Experienced travelers know that Asia has a reputation for service that anticipates guests’ needs and desires and that offers a level of personalized attention rarely seen elsewhere. Those qualities also find expression in the Orient’s ensō, or “O” symbol, which represents elegance, strength, and infinite possibility.
In that spirit and tradition, Singapore-based privately owned OJets Pte Ltd., an integrated provider of business aviation services, transports discerning travelers to destinations worldwide. It transforms their journeys into personalized luxury experiences, assuring the pinnacle of service excellence on each trip. In one year, OJets has established itself as one of the region’s leading luxury charter providers, thanks to its service philosophy; fleet of state-of-the-art, ultra-long-range Bombardier Business Jets; and management team’s depth of experience. Today the ensō-inspired “O” on the tails of its aircraft has become a mark of distinction among the world’s most sophisticated travelers while also symbolizing the company leadership’s strong Asian connection.
Savoring Asia-Style Service
Phil Mulacek, OJets’ chairman and co-owner, has lived in Asia for more than three decades, and co-owner and treasurer Marc Vinson has also spent most of his professional life in the region. Both have used business aviation—jets, helicopters, and utility aircraft—to move employees, VIPs, and equipment throughout the continent while building a successful oil and gas company along with other enterprises.
Just over a year ago, Mulacek and Vinson were presented with the opportunity to bring together their knowledge of the region, experience with business aviation, and passion for service and performance to create an Asia-based luxury air charter provider.
The continent’s diverse cultures and abundant opportunities are what first drew U.S.-born Mulacek to the region. He is the son of a French mother and Texas-born father, and his heritage is reflected in the French-inspired L’Art deVivre, or art of living, that infuses OJets' attentive Asian-style service. Mulacek’s standards for quality and performance are evident in his collection of classic vintage cars and passion for auto racing.
Founded on the core principle of not simply moving travelers from point to point in supreme luxury but also connecting them with their dreams, OJets set the goal of becoming the leading private-aviation choice in the Asia-Pacific region. Mulacek and Vinson’s vision included giving clients impeccable white-glove service and complete flexibility in accessing any part of the world while enjoying a top-flight experience.
Now, that vision has been realized. The dedicated “O” team is available 24/7 to assist in planning and achieving clients’ travel goals and ensuring an effortless and seamless travel experience. Each journey is tailored for the client, with meals sourced from a favorite Michelin-star restaurant and onboard entertainment that reflects the traveler’s tastes. The client’s requirements even dictate the aircraft, which is always outfitted with modern conveniences and the finest luxuries; one traveler might need an interior that facilitates working and meetings, for example, while another might require a private stateroom and bed furnished with feather down duvets and Egyptian cotton bed linens for trans-Pacific flights.
"The OJets logo represents our appreciation of the quality and expertise of the refined things in Asia, with the enso-inspired "O" logo being an expression of our dedication to providing the pinnacle of service excellence and an unparalleled luxury experience for discerning travelers," says Mulacek.
Rounding Out an Experienced Team
With the OJets management team now in place, the company’s focus on service and future growth rests on a firm foundation. Senior executive vice president Philippe Crevier joined OJets with a decade of experience in Asia, having previously held senior positions at Jet Aviation, Bombardier, and Skyservice. “The challenges intrinsic to this area are much more complex than what one finds in a more mature market,” says Crevier. “I think that’s a key differentiator in what we can offer to our clients.”
Michael Ta, chief financial officer, is a chartered accountant who brings wide experience in corporate finance and building startup businesses, as well as in implementing and managing efficient and transparent accounting systems.
Currently, Elit’Avia Malta Limited operate the OJets fleet, giving the company access to Malta-registered aircraft. Additionally, OJets holds a 30 percent equity interest in Elit’Avia Malta Limited, ensuring close coordination on commercial and operational matters.
In April this year, OJets announced the extension of its partnership with Elit'Avia to expand its presence in Asia and enhance its service offerings. The two companies will share an operations center in Singapore and cooperate on business development from sales offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. Under the direction of Michel Coulomb, co-owner and CEO, and Nick Houseman, co-owner and board member, Elit'Avia is now managing a half-dozen aircraft based in Asia.
Both Coulomb and Houseman are widely recognized industry veterans. Co-owner of Elit'Avia since 2011 and founder of ZenithJet, Houseman spent a decade with Bombardier Business Aircraft in various senior management positions. Columb, who founded Elit'Avia in 2006, brings substantial experience in flight operations, since he previously held positions of chief pilot and chief operational officer for one of the largest fleets in Europe.
The collaboration between OJets and Elit'Avia draws on complementary areas of expertise and geographical specialization. "By working together, we are a stronger team able to provide clients with a more comprehensive service and global reach," says Mulacek.
Choice of Pinnacle Experiences
The fleet of state-of-the-art, ultra-long-range Bombardier Business Jets builds on the aim of delivering the pinnacle of service excellence on every flight. Additionally, the floating-fleet model eliminates the need for aircraft to return to an operational base and minimizes repositioning fees.
OJets offers two charter service options—pay-as-you-fly access and its signature Pinnacle block-hour program. Both provide complete pricing transparency.
Pay-as-you-fly offers point-to-point, one-way pricing at competitive rates and a choice of premium, late-model aircraft in a variety of cabin configurations and distinctive interiors.
For those looking for a turnkey luxury solution, the Pinnacle block-hour program offers the fleet with guaranteed availability within 72 hours of your call, at fixed hourly rates, starting with one year of service. The Pinnacle program provides access within the service area without ferry fees or initiation or monthly management charges.
With its fleet airborne, the leadership team in place, and its dedicated staff delivering on the Pinnacle promise, the OJets service style is becoming the new standard for the world’s most sophisticated charter customers.
