Flexjet is officially launching a new training programme for its global cabin servers this month. The ‘finishing school’ style training will take place in The Red Label Academy, a new dedicated facility at the company’s Farnborough Airport location in Hampshire, UK.
Red Label is Flexjet’s service and hospitality ethos. In addition to its cabin service (and in Europe every Flexjet flight includes at least one cabin server), this includes its LXi cabin interiors; crew dedicated to each individual aircraft; and a range of invitations to curated private and VIP events.
The Red Label Academy will act as a centre for excellence globally, with both US and European Flexjet cabin servers trained by experts in their fields. All Flexjet cabin servers come into the role with prior private aviation experience, but Flexjet said the new academy is designed to add a level of service mastery and a polish “unrivalled” in the industry. The company’s existing team of more than 130 cabin servers will undertake advanced training focused on refinement, with new recruits taking a longer course that also covers the key fundamentals.
The programme is led by Flexjet’s vice president of customer experience, Francesco Vanerio, who brings extensive five-star hotel experience to the private aviation sector, including from the award-winning Villa d’Este in Lake Como, Italy. Dedicated experts in other fields will deliver masterclasses in specific skills such as mixology, wine serving, floristry and sushi presentation, alongside scenario-based service training and how to prepare and style the cabin to meet Flexjet’s standards.
“Our fantastic cabin servers embody our unique Red Label ethos and are the frontline of our aircraft owners’ experience of Flexjet,” said Megan Wolf, chief experience officer at Flexjet. “We are proud and delighted to open this world-class training facility and programme, which sets us apart in the industry in terms of refinement and attention to detail. The new standards in cabin experience have now been elevated to match that of a top European five-star hotel.”
Part of the programme will be delivered by The Dorchester Collection Academy. This additional instruction is designed to immerse the cabin servers in a world of luxury hospitality first-hand, and to experience for themselves how it feels to receive exceptional service – with each cabin server enjoying an afternoon tea and a night’s stay at The Dorchester in London, UK.
The focus on the emotional impact of great service is also continued back at The Red Label Academy, with modules on how to make passengers feel special and cared for via highly personalised attention to detail; assessing their needs on any given occasion using body language and behaviour; and through observing cultural differences. Cabin servers are also trained in specific skills to serve children and pets on board.
The academy incorporates individual workspaces, cabin and galley mockups, meaning cabin servers can be trained to work in Flexjet’s different aircraft types at the Farnborough base. The same training programme will be provided to all Flexjet cabin servers, regardless of location.
“Our company continues to grow considerably, with over 270 fixed-wing aircraft now in our global fleet and many more to be added next year and beyond,” said Mike Silvestro, co-CEO of Flexjet. “As we expand our global team of cabin servers, this impressive new facility will ensure that we continue to deliver and refine the extraordinary cabin experience that Flexjet owners enjoy and expect.”
