The private aviation sector has become increasingly important for global trade, offering efficiency, adaptability, and connection for both people and businesses.

From helping government officials and celebrities to business leaders, private aviation has evolved into a necessary tool for high-net-worth people and companies all over. The industry has grown outside its usual customer base in recent years in response to new needs and audiences. Private aviation keeps altering to balance luxury and responsibility in an always-shifting global scene as sustainability and technical developments become increasingly important.

Luxaviation Group is one such global private jet management, charter, and FBO (fixed-based operator) company, which currently operates a fleet of 215 aircraft under management and VIP passenger terminals in 23 airports around the globe. The Luxaviation Group is one of the largest private aircraft operators in the world. In the UK, Luxaviation is overseen by CEO George Galanopoulos, with the firm going strong since its inception and now looking to expand its reach further.

The company’s history dates back to 1964, when Abelag, now Luxaviation Belgium, was established at Brussels Airport. Today, the Luxaviation Group has bases in the UK, continental Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australasia, and the Americas.

With a diverse clientele, ranging from business executives to high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, to governments and Royal households, Luxaviation’s business jets are used as a business tool for busy executives – contributing to the creation of financial stability and employment globally.

The firm also manages private jets for owners and charters those aircraft to users.
George Galanopoulos is the firm’s UK CEO and head of charter sales Europe for the Luxaviation Group. He has been in the aviation industry since 1985. Starting as a pilot with minimal business experience, George Galanopoulos set up London Executive Aviation with his business partner, Patrick Margetson-Rushmore, who had a corporate finance background and loved aviation. This partnership of two diverse characters worked well in developing the business, as both parties brought different benefits. George Galanopoulos was also named in the Most Influential CEO Awards for his leadership.

George has carried the ethos of collaborating and working with others throughout his career, and today, he ensures that he has a good relationship with his employees to create a positive working environment and encourage strong performance. Employee loyalty is one of Luxaviation UK’s strengths, with some people having been with the company since its establishment in 1996.

The biggest challenge for private aviation has always been to change the public’s perception and overall image of the industry. The business aviation industry is of significant economic value globally, supporting the progress of the UK, Europe, and international business and creating jobs.

In line with the company’s commitment to its social, ecological, and economic responsibilities to society, Luxaviation has also enabled customers to carbon offset any flight and book with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in locations where it is currently available.

However, George Galanopoulos hopes that people’s perceptions may have shifted slightly over the last few years, as during the pandemic, Luxaviation saw a lot of new users turning to private aviation, many of which are still with the company today. He mentioned, “Last summer, for example, 25% of our actual bookings were from complete newbie private jetters who had never considered it before.”

Best known for its unrivaled customer service, and with Galanopoulos at the UK helm ensuring the Group follows the highest standards in safety, quality, and service, it’s no surprise that he was recently recognized in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023 and named Most Influential Executive Aircraft Charter CEO 2023 – UK.

Now, as the future beckons, George is looking to support the growth of Luxaviation. The Group recently announced that it had expanded its fleet in the Asia-Pacific region, adding the Dassault Falcon 2000XL and two Bombardier Global 600 aircraft to its Australian charter fleet.

Later this year, ExecuJet, part of the Luxaviation Group, will open a 33,000-square-foot facility at Dubai Maktoum Airport (DWC). This will be the largest stand-alone facility in Dubai South and will feature an air-conditioned hangar. The opening will support industry growth in the Middle East. Another focus for Luxaviation will be implementing new sustainability initiatives beyond its existing efforts to incorporate SAF and carbon offsetting schemes.