When Mark Mateschitz gifts his girlfriend Victoria Swarovski a private jet, the news spreads across the internet. Many people assume: “That’s how the rich and famous travel.” But the reality is different. The proportion of celebrities in the demand for private jets is minimal, according to those who run these operations—the so-called business operators.

“The term ‘private jet’ is misleading. Most of our clients are traveling for business,” says Darko Cvijetinovic, Managing Director of the Vienna-based provider MJET, which operates 17 long-range and mid-range aircraft. “As an ad-hoc charter company, we are incredibly flexible, with small structures and flat hierarchies. This allowed us to attract a new customer base during the pandemic. Many were unfamiliar with this segment before and continue to use it now.”

The article highlights the growing importance of business aviation in Austria, a sector contributing approximately 8,500 jobs and €2.2 billion in gross value added. Darko Cvijetinovic, as Managing Director of MJET and responsible for Government Affairs at the Austrian Business Aviation Association (ABAA), emphasizes the value of positioning Austria as a key location for this industry.

Together with Antonia Gilbert, Chief Commercial Officer of MJET, and other ABAA advocates, efforts are focused on building awareness of the industry’s strategic importance. By collaborating with government bodies, they aim to create a “Fair Playground” for business aviation in Austria, ensuring competitive conditions in comparison to other European nations.

Advocating for Business Opportunities

The ABAA’s work is vital not just for the aviation sector but for fostering business opportunities across Austrian industries. Business aviation enables companies to access remote locations, streamline logistics, and reduce time-to-market in critical operations. By highlighting these advantages, both Darko and Antonia are advocating for policies that benefit the broader Austrian economy.

Their efforts also include tackling challenges such as bureaucratic complexity, workforce shortages, and public awareness of the sector. For instance, they are pushing for more efficient processes for fuel tax exemptions and working to attract young talent through partnerships with technical schools and universities in Austria.